Minister Change for Federal Economic Development Agency

Summary#

This Order (SOR/2025-128) changes which cabinet minister is named as responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario in Schedule I.1 to the Financial Administration Act. The order was registered on May 13, 2025 and published in the Canada Gazette on June 4, 2025.

What it does#

• Replaces the reference to the Minister of Industry with a reference to the Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation opposite the agency’s name in Schedule I.1 to the Financial Administration Act.
• The change was made by P.C. 2025-487 under subsection 3(1.1) of the Financial Administration Act.

Who's affected#

• The main entity affected is the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario (its ministerial oversight has shifted).
• The two ministerial offices named — the Minister of Industry and the Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation — are directly involved.
• People and organizations that interact with the agency (businesses, local governments, stakeholders in southern Ontario) may notice a different minister as their official point of contact.
• The order does not say whether programs, funding, or staff roles at the agency will change.

Why it matters#

• Ministerial responsibility determines which cabinet minister answers questions in Parliament and who sets high-level priorities. A change can mean a different political focus or point of contact for stakeholders.
• For the public and businesses, the practical effect may be limited to where to send inquiries or who is publicly responsible for the agency, unless further administrative or program changes are announced.