Ministerial transfer for Federal Economic Development (Southern Ontario)

Summary#

The Transfer of Duties Order: SI/2021-81 moves the ministerial responsibilities for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario from the Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages to the Minister of State (Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario). The order was made as P.C. 2021-932 on October 26, 2021 and registered in the Canada Gazette on November 10, 2021 under the Public Service Rearrangement and Transfer of Duties Act.

What it does#

• Transfers the powers, duties and functions that the Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages held in relation to the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario to the Minister of State (Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario).
• It is an internal reassignment of ministerial responsibility under the Public Service Rearrangement and Transfer of Duties Act. The notice does not describe changes to programs, funding levels, or the agency’s mandate.

Who's affected#

• The two ministerial offices named in the order: the Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and the Minister of State (Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario).
• The Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario as an organization.
• People and organizations that work with or look to the Agency for programs and services (businesses, municipalities, community groups) may notice that a different minister is formally responsible. The source does not list specific other groups.

Why it matters#

• It clarifies which minister is formally responsible and accountable for the Agency. That affects who signs decisions and who is the public contact for oversight and questions about the Agency.
• For most members of the public this is an administrative change; it does not by itself change programs or funding according to the text of the order.