Raly Chakarova takes over the role from Andy Manahan, who held the position since February 2022.

McNaughton said it had been the "honour of a lifetime" to be labour minister, but the time was right to leave. The departure, he said, was unrelated to "recent events."

The premier and Rasheed agreed that he would resign as minister of public and business service delivery and from the Progressive Conservative caucus.

Construction’s labour force reported growth of 9,000 over the last 12 months, while employment added 6,400 workers. As a result, the industry’s unemployment rate edged up slightly from 3.3% to 3.4%. 

Seven organizations will share in the funding, including the Canada Green Building Council, and Mohawk College. Both will launch construction-focused programs.