Former Ontario cabinet minister to head up College of Trades

Lawyer, businessman and former Ontario cabinet minister David Tsubouchi to the position of Registrar and CEO of the 300,000-member Ontario College of Trades, effective September 9, 2013. Tsubouchi replaces outgoing College Registrar and CEO Bob Guthrie, who has announced his decision to retire. Tsubouchi, who served as the Progressive Conservative MPP for Markham from 1995 until 2003, held a number of cabinet posts in the Ontario government under premiers Mike Harris and Ernie Eves.  He was Minister of Community and Social Services (1995 to 1996), Minister of Consumer and Commercial Relations (1996 to 1999), Solicitor General of Ontario (1999 to 2001), chair of the Management Board of Cabinet (2001 to 2003) and Minister of Culture (2002 to 2003). Under his leadership as the Minister of Consumer and Commercial relations, the self-managed organizations Travel Industry Council of Ontario (TICO), Real Estate Council of Ontario (RECO) and Ontario Motor Vehicle Industry Council (OMVIC) were created. In 2003, Tsubouchi returned to private legal practice as a partner in the law firm Fogler, Rubinoff LLP. “I’m very pleased to be able to offer my expertise and understanding of both business and government to my role in this important position,” said Tsubouchi. “I’m confident that the College and its members will continue to work with our many stakeholders in the interest of all Ontarians, whether they work in the trades or employ them in their homes or businesses. Together, we can continue to pave the way for a bright economic future for the province.”