TORONTO

Ont. Labour Minister Peter Fonseca resigns from cabinet

The Canadian Press Published Thursday, December 16, 2010 7:47PM EST

Ontario Minister of Labour Peter Fonseca introduces back-to-work legislation in the Ontario Legislatre on Sunday January 25, 2009. The legislation is to end a strike at York University. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Frank Gunn

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TORONTO - Ontario Labour Minister Peter Fonseca has resigned from cabinet.

Premier Dalton McGuinty announced Thursday evening that he has appointed Charles Sousa to take over Fonseca's portfolio.

In a statement, McGuinty thanked Fonseca for the "tremendous job" he has done on behalf of Ontario families as labour minister.

McGuinty credited Fonseca with helping to double the number of workplace inspectors, reduce the number of lost-time injuries in the workplace and increase the minimum wage.

Fonseca will remain as the member for Mississauga East-Cooksville.

McGuinty says Sousa will implement the workplace safety recommendations made Thursday by the Tony Dean expert panel.