BREAKING: Rod Phillips to take over as Ontario’s Minister of Long Term Care

Phillips will take over as Minister of Long Term Care, taking over for Dr. Merrilee Fullerton, who will now serve as Minister of Children, Community and Social Services.

Phillips resigned from his previous cabinet position after he left the country for St. Barthelemy, an pricey island in the Caribbean some time in early December. The office of the premier said at the time that Ford was not aware of Phillips' trip until after he had left Canada.

It would later be revealed that Ford's top staffers knew of Phillips' vacation.

"With 21% of residents now fully vaccinated as Team Ontario sets new records in daily shots, we can be confident that the worst of the pandemic is behind us,” a statement from Ford said.

"As we continue our work to rebuild and support Ontario’s health system, our renewed team is well positioned to deliver on the priorities that matter to Ontarians, including getting more people back to work, making life more affordable, supporting businesses and job creators and building transit infrastructure."