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Travis Kann at a press availability in 2019, when he was spokesperson for the Ontario health minister at the time.Christopher Katsarov/The Canadian Press
Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s chief of staff is stepping down and will be replaced by a top aide with experience in Canada-U.S. relations.
Patrick Sackville, who has spent eight years in government and was named Mr. Ford’s chief of staff in December, 2022, is leaving government on Friday and will be replaced by Travis Kann, the government announced on Monday.
Mr. Kann currently holds the dual role of principal secretary and head of Ontario-U.S. relations.
“During his time in government, Travis has helped steer our government through some of Ontario and Canada’s most significant challenges, including our ongoing response to the economic threat posed by President Trump’s tariffs,” Mr. Ford said in a statement.
“As Ontario continues to navigate ongoing economic uncertainty, no one is better positioned to provide steady, disciplined leadership for our government.”
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In a news release, the government said Mr. Kann has been responsible for developing and implementing its strategy to build relationships with American lawmakers in Washington and at the state level, including during the lead-up to the review of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement.
Mr. Ford plans to travel to Texas, South Carolina and Utah this spring and summer to meet in-person with governors and American lawmakers as part of a renewed charm offensive to advocate against tariffs and for a strengthened economic partnership between the two countries.
The government said Mr. Kann has helped execute the Premier’s priorities such as designing temporary special economic zones, a controversial measure that would allow it to suspend any provincial or municipal law to speed up a resource development project.
Bill 5, the law that created special economic zones, sparked condemnation from some First Nations who have accused the government of trampling on their inherent treaty rights.
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Mr. Ford announced Monday that his government has accelerated its timeline to build all-seasons roads to the Ring of Fire five years ahead of schedule, with construction planned to start in June and roads set to begin opening in November, 2030.
Mr. Ford told reporters that he doesn’t need to use special economic zones for road construction in the Ring of Fire, because he has “great partners” with First Nations who support the plan.
The government also said Mr. Kann has been involved in executing Mr. Ford’s plan to break down internal trade barriers.
On Monday, Ontario and Nova Scotia announced a first-of-its-kind agreement to allow consumers to purchase alcohol directly from the other province’s local producers, including breweries, wineries and distilleries.
Mr. Ford also praised Mr. Sackville’s contributions to government over the years.
“After eight years of dedicated service to our government and province, Patrick is leaving behind a legacy few people can match, and Ontario’s future is brighter because of his time as chief of staff. I am so thankful for Patrick’s leadership and service. There are amazing things ahead for him,” he said in his statement.
