QUEEN’S PARK, Ont. – Ontario’s new Premier, Ernie Eves, has put his stamp on Cabinet with a major shake-up.

Eves’ cabinet shuffle saw many right-wingers pushed aside to make room for centrists, like himself. Five of the six most important Cabinet portfolios are now the responsibilities of new ministers: Finance – Janet Ecker; Education and Deputy Premier – Elizabeth Witmer; Attorney General – David Young; Municipal Affairs – Chris Hodgson; and, Management Board – David Tsubouchi.

Tony Clement will remain as health minister, while Jim Flaherty, Eves’ main opponent in the Tory election was delegated to Minister of Enterprise, Opportunity and Innovation.

Norm Sterling has taken over for Brad Clark as the province’s Minister of Transportation as of Apr. 15. Prior to this appointment, Sterling was most recently Minister of Consumer and Business Services. Although he is perhaps best remembered, by truckers at least, for his work as Minister of the Environment.

The MPP for Lanark-Carleton has held a wide range of other responsibilities during his time in office. In his first term, he served as Parliamentary Assistant to the Attorney General, and in 1981, was appointed Minister without Portfolio. He has also served as P.C. Deputy House Leader, Chair of P.C. Caucus, and P.C. critic for various ministries including Intergovernmental Affairs, Treasury and Economic, Industry, Trade and Technology, and Consumer and Commercial Relations.

Sterling earned a Bachelor of Engineering (civil) from Carleton University in 1964 and obtained the status of Professional Engineer in 1966. He received a law degree from the University of Ottawa in 1969 and was called to the Bar in 1971. He was named Queen’s Counsel in 1981.

Prior to entering politics, Sterling worked at Du Pont of Canada as an engineer, and owned and operated a small manufacturing firm. He then practiced law for the six years preceding his election.

He and his wife, Joan, have four adult children.