Ford gives Ontario ministers new marching orders: Move the province forward [Video]

Ontario Premier Doug Ford handed out fresh mandate letters to the executive council as his new election-focused team of ministers met for their first in-person cabinet meeting at Queen’s Park on Thursday.

Weeks after shuffling his front bench, Ford confirmed to Global News that he gave his ministers new instructions on the policy expectations set out by the premier’s office.

“It’s really good mandate letters … to move the province forward on everything from economic development to health care to every ministry going,” Ford said. “It’s going to be a very positive day.”

The content of those mandate letters, however, will remain hidden from the public view as the Ford government upholds a practice of cabinet secrecy, endorsed by Canada’s Supreme Court.

When asked whether the government would release the letters, a spokesperson for the Premier’s Office simply said, “no.”

The response prompted criticism from opposition figures.

Ontario Liberal Leader Bonnie Crombie said …