Stephen Lecce

Lecce was born in Vaughan, Ontario, the son of Italian immigrants who came to Canada in the late 1950s.{{cite web|url=https://www.msn.com/en-ca/news/canada/stephen-lecce-stephen-harper%E2%80%99s-boy-wonder-comes-of-age-under-doug-ford/ar-BBRs18X|title=Stephen Lecce, Stephen Harper's Boy Wonder, Comes Of Age Under Doug Ford|publisher=msn.com|date=December 27, 2018}} At age 13, he worked for then-PC MPP Al Palladini's successful re-election campaign in 1999.{{cite news |last1=Kopun |first1=Francine |title=King-Vaughan picks PC candidate Stephen Lecce |url=https://www.thestar.com/news/queenspark/2018/06/07/king-vaughan-picks-pc-candidate-stephen-lecce.html |access-date=June 8, 2018 |publisher=Toronto Star |date=June 7, 2018}}

Lecce attended St. Margaret Mary Catholic Elementary School in Woodbridge, St. Michael's College School in Toronto, and later the University of Western Ontario (UWO), completing a Bachelor of Arts in political science. There, he was elected and served as president of UWO's University Students' Council.{{cite web|url=http://www.usc.uwo.ca/gazette/archives/story.php?sect=frontPage&id=1197|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180629183048/http://www.usc.uwo.ca/gazette/archives/story.php?sect=frontPage&id=1197|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 29, 2018|title=Believin' in Stephen|date=April 7, 2009|publisher=usc.uwo.ca}} While studying at UWO, he was initiated into the Sigma Chi fraternity, eventually serving as the UWO chapter's president.{{cite web|url=http://www.usc.uwo.ca/gazette/archives/story.php?sect=news&id=1071|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180812053249/http://www.usc.uwo.ca/gazette/archives/story.php?sect=news&id=1071|url-status=dead|archive-date=August 12, 2018|title=News Briefs|date=April 7, 2009|publisher=usc.uwo.ca}}

After graduation, Lecce joined the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) under Stephen Harper. Lecce was hired following a personal interaction with Harper in his capacity as president of UWO's Students' Council.{{Cite web |date=2019-11-26 |title=Q&A: Ontario education minister Stephen Lecce |url=https://torontolife.com/city/qa-ontario-education-minister-stephen-lecce-on-slashing-budgets-and-fighting-unions/ |access-date=2022-11-06 |website=Toronto Life |language=en-US}} At the PMO, Lecce served as deputy director of communications before being promoted to director of media relations.{{Cite web |date=2018-12-26 |title=Harper's Boy Wonder Comes Of Age Under Ontario Premier Ford |url=https://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2018/12/23/stephen-lecce-stephen-harper-s-boy-wonder-comes-of-age-under-doug-ford_a_23625856/ |access-date=2022-11-06 |website=HuffPost |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Ontario PCs nominate ex-Harper adviser in controversial nomination |url=https://www.ipolitics.ca/news/ontario-pcs-nominate-ex-harper-adviser-in-controversial-nomination |access-date=2022-11-06 |website=www.ipolitics.ca |date=April 3, 2017 |language=en}}

Lecce owns a public relations consultancy firm.

Lecce ran as a Progressive Conservative in King—Vaughan and won with 29,136 votes (56.62%).{{cite web |title=Election Night Results /Résultats du soir de l'élection |url=https://www.elections.on.ca/content/ngw/en/election-results/king-vaughan.html |publisher=Elections Ontario |access-date=23 June 2018}} On June 29, 2018, Lecce became the parliamentary assistant to Monte McNaughton, the minister of infrastructure.{{cite web |last1=Walsh |first1=Marieke |title=Former federal MPs appointed to cabinet and parliamentary assistant posts under Ford |date=June 29, 2018 |url=https://ipolitics.ca/2018/06/29/former-federal-mps-appointed-to-cabinet-and-parliamentary-assistant-posts-under-ford/ |publisher=iPolitics |access-date=June 29, 2018}} On July 31, Lecce became parliamentary assistant to the premier.{{Cite news|url=https://twitter.com/fordnation/status/1024334948201910272|title=Doug Ford on Twitter|work=Twitter|access-date=2018-07-31}}

On June 20, 2019, he was sworn in as Ontario's minister of education.{{cite web|url=https://www.thestar.com/politics/provincial/2019/06/20/rookie-mpp-stephen-lecce-takes-on-a-tough-education-file.html|title=Rookie MPP Stephen Lecce Takes on a Tough Education File|date=June 20, 2019|work=thestar.com}} Beginning in October 2019,{{cite web|url=https://globalnews.ca/news/5995239/cupe-education-workers-ontario-strike-avoided/|title=CUPE education workers, Ontario government reach tentative deal to avoid strike|date=October 6, 2019|publisher=globalnews.ca}} labour disputes between the provincial government and Ontario's four largest teachers' unions (ETFO, OSSTF, OECTA, and AEFO), have caused rotating strike action. A joint strike by all four unions on February 21, 2020, marked the first province-wide closure of schools since 1997 strikes against the Harris government.{{cite web|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-all-public-schools-in-ontario-to-close-friday-as-teachers-strike/|title=Ontario's teachers' unions walk off job together in provincewide strike|date=February 20, 2020|last1=Alphonso|first1=Caroline|last2=Gray|first2=Jeff|publisher=The Globe and Mail|access-date=February 23, 2020}} Earlier that month, on February 4, New Democratic Party leader Andrea Horwath called for Doug Ford to fire Lecce as education minister;{{cite web|url=https://www.ontariondp.ca/news/horwath-calls-ford-hit-reset-button-education-fire-stephen-lecce|title=Horwath calls on Ford to hit the reset button on education, fire Stephen Lecce|publisher=ontariondp.ca|date=February 4, 2020}} however, Ford assured that Lecce would remain in office.{{cite web|url=https://www.thestar.com/politics/provincial/2020/02/04/ontario-catholic-teachers-holding-second-provincewide-strike.html|title=Doug Ford urged to fire education minister as teachers escalate job action|work=thestar.com|date=February 4, 2020}} On February 12, Lecce called the decision for the four largest teachers' unions to hold the joint strike an "irresponsible choice".{{cite web|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/stephen-lecce-protest-royal-york-1.5460929|title=Ontario's 4 major teachers unions to hold joint 1-day provincewide strike on Feb. 21|publisher=cbc.ca|date=February 12, 2020}}

On March 12, 2020, Lecce announced that all publicly funded schools in Ontario would be closed for two weeks after March break due to the COVID-19 pandemic in Ontario,{{cite web|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/ontario-government-closing-schools-1.5495736|title=Ontario to shut down publicly funded schools for 2 weeks after March Break over COVID-19 concerns|publisher=cbc.ca|date=March 12, 2020}} however, the schools did not reopen as planned.{{cite web | url = https://toronto.ctvnews.ca/ontario-schools-will-not-reopen-april-6-premier-says-1.4864551| title = Ontario schools will not reopen April 6, premier says| date = March 23, 2020| access-date = March 23, 2020| language = en}} On May 19, Lecce announced that schools would not reopen until the following school year in September.{{cite web|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/covid-19-coronavirus-ontario-may-19-school-year-update-1.5574966|title=Ontario shuts schools until September because of COVID-19 pandemic|publisher=cbc.ca|date=May 19, 2020}} On July 30, Lecce announced a $309 million plan for the resumption of public education in September.

Lecce introduced Bill 28, known as the Keeping Students in Class Act,{{Cite web |title=Keeping Students in Class Act, 2022 |url=https://www.ola.org/en/legislative-business/bills/parliament-43/session-1/bill-28 |access-date=2022-11-05 |website=Legislative Assembly of Ontario |language=en}} which was passed by the Legislative Assembly of Ontario on November 3, 2022, amid ongoing labour negotiations with the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE).{{Cite web |date=2022-11-03 |title=Ontario education workers set to strike Friday despite new law making it illegal |url=https://www.cp24.com/news/ontario-education-workers-set-to-strike-friday-despite-new-law-making-it-illegal-1.6136942 |access-date=2022-11-05 |website=CP24 |language=en}} CUPE had given notice of job action on October 30 after negotiations broke down with the Ministry of Education and would have been in a legal strike position on November 4.{{Cite web |date=October 30, 2022 |title=Ontario government tables legislation to prevent strike by CUPE education workers |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/ontario-education-cupe-strike-notice-1.6634686 |website=CBC News}} Bill 28 imposes a contract on CUPE, and makes it illegal to strike, setting fines of $4,000 for workers.

The bill invokes the notwithstanding clause, shielding it from being struck down by the courts by allowing the bill to operate despite the right to collective bargaining granted by the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.{{Cite web |title=Can anyone block Ontario legislation designed to impose a contract on education workers? {{!}} Globalnews.ca |url=https://globalnews.ca/news/9242876/can-anyone-block-ontario-education-contract-legislation/ |access-date=2022-11-05 |website=Global News |language=en-US}} The legislation was widely condemned, including by opposition parties, the Canadian Civil Liberties Association, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada David Lametti, the Ontario Bar Association, and other unions including those which had previously endorsed the PC Party.{{Cite web |date=November 3, 2022 |title='They're wrong': Union that supported Ford speaks out in defense of education workers |url=https://toronto.citynews.ca/2022/11/03/ontario-education-workers-strike-cupe-liuna-doug-ford/ |access-date=2022-11-05 |website=toronto.citynews.ca}}{{Cite web |date=2022-11-03 |title=Canadian bill would fine workers $4,000 for each day they strike |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/nov/03/ontario-doug-ford-strike-fine-bill-28-canada |access-date=2022-11-05 |website=the Guardian |language=en}}

Despite Lecce's bill, CUPE went on strike anyway, resulting in province-wide protests in support of education workers against the government,{{Cite web |title=Ontario CUPE strike: Day 1 of strike draws in solidarity for education workers, backlash against Ford and $100,000 donation |url=https://ca.style.yahoo.com/ontario-strike-cupe-school-education-workers-110059340.html |access-date=2022-11-05 |website=ca.style.yahoo.com |date=November 4, 2022 |language=en-CA}}{{Cite web |date=November 4, 2022 |title=Strike or political protest? Ontario takes education workers' union to labour board amid Friday walkout |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/cupe-strike-education-ontario-schools-closed-1.6640386 |website=CBC News}} and the government challenging CUPE at the Ontario Labour Relations Board. On November 7, 2022, Premier Doug Ford announced that the PCs would rescind Bill 28.{{Cite web |date=2022-11-07 |title=CUPE announces end to strike after Doug Ford offers to rescind education law |url=https://toronto.ctvnews.ca/cupe-announces-end-to-strike-after-doug-ford-offers-to-rescind-education-law-1.6141853 |access-date=2022-11-08 |website=CTV Toronto |language=en}} It was announced that a tentative deal with CUPE was reached on December 11, 2022.{{Cite web |title=Ontario Newsroom |url=https://news.ontario.ca/en/statement/1002580/ontario-reaches-tentative-agreement-with-the-ontario-council-of-educational-workers |access-date=2022-12-12 |website=news.ontario.ca}}

On June 6, 2024, Lecce was appointed Minister of Energy and Eletrification by Premier Doug Ford.{{cite news |last=Tsekouras |first=Phil |date=June 6, 2024 |title=Lecce out as education minister in major Ontario government cabinet shuffle |url=https://toronto.ctvnews.ca/lecce-out-as-education-minister-in-major-ontario-government-cabinet-shuffle-1.6916649 |url-status=live |work=CBC News |location=Toronto, Ontario |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240607195112/https://toronto.ctvnews.ca/lecce-out-as-education-minister-in-major-ontario-government-cabinet-shuffle-1.6916649 |archive-date=June 7, 2024 |access-date=June 8, 2024}} Lecce was Ontario's longest-serving Minister of Education since Bette Stephenson.{{Citation needed|date=June 2024}}

Lecce completed trade missions to Romania, the UK, the U.S., Estonia, and Poland, securing $400 million in agreements to export nuclear technology, creating jobs and strengthening Ontario’s global energy partnerships. Lecce also hosted over 60 U.S. Congressional and State leaders to promote Ontario’s energy export strategy and deepen cross-border collaboration.{{cite web | url=https://news.ontario.ca/en/court/1005201/company-director-fined-5000-for-environmental-protection-act-violation | title=Ontario Newsroom }}

In August 2024, he launched Canada’s largest competitive energy procurement in history only to increase the procurement by 50% some months later.{{cite web | url=https://news.ontario.ca/en/release/1005479/ontario-expands-largest-competitive-energy-procurement-in-provinces-history | title=Ontario Newsroom }}

In October 2024, Lecce introduced the Affordable Energy Act,{{cite web | url=https://news.ontario.ca/en/release/1005218/ontario-tackles-energy-demand-by-introducing-affordable-energy-act | title=Ontario Newsroom }} which established Ontario’s first long-term Integrated Energy Plan to secure power for the next 25 years, following the Independent Electricity System Operator releasing a revised demand forecast that saw Ontario's energy demand increase by 75 per cent.https://financialpost.com/news/ontario-electricity-demand-soar-evs-ai

Stephen announced a groundbreaking plan to develop up to 10,000 megawatts of new nuclear energy at Wesleyville in Port Hope that will see over 10,500 jobs created. The project will contribute $235 billion to Ontario’s GDP over 95 years, further cementing Ontario’s position as a leader in energy innovation.{{cite web | url=https://news.ontario.ca/en/release/1005585/ontario-exploring-new-nuclear-energy-generation-in-port-hope | title=Ontario Newsroom }}

During his tenure, the Ontario government also announced the Home Renovation Savings Program as part of Canada’s largest energy efficiency initiative, a $10.9 billion investment over 12 years{{cite web | url=https://news.ontario.ca/en/release/1005538/ontario-launches-new-energy-efficiency-programs-to-save-you-money | title=Ontario Newsroom }} as well as plans to refurbish the Pickering Nuclear Generating Station, extending its operational life to ensure a stable supply of clean energy for decades to come.{{cite web | url=https://news.ontario.ca/en/release/1005620/ontario-advancing-plan-to-refurbish-pickering-nuclear-generating-station | title=Ontario Newsroom }} Separately, Lecce publicized the refurbishment of Unit 1 at Darlington was completed 140 days ahead of schedule, highlighting the efficiency and expertise of Ontario’s energy workforce.{{cite web | url=https://news.ontario.ca/en/release/1005358/ontario-marks-completion-of-darlington-unit-1-refurbishment-project-five-months-ahead-of-schedule | title=Ontario Newsroom }}

On March 19, 2025, Lecce was sworn into 44th Parliament of Ontario and was reappointed to cabinet with new responsibilities as Ontario's Minister of Energy and Mineshttps://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/premier-ford-cabinet-swearing-in-wednesday-1.7487442

{{CANelec/top|ON|2025|percent=yes|change=yes|prelim=no}}

{{CANelec|ON|PC|Stephen Lecce|28,527|64.17|+6.86}}

{{CANelec|ON|Liberal|Gillian Vivona|12,453|28.01|–0.50}}

{{CANelec|ON|NDP|Rick Morelli|1,714|3.86|–3.08}}

{{CANelec|ON|Green|Ann Raney|934|2.10|–0.60}}

{{CANelec|ON|New Blue|Christopher Bressi|569|1.28|–2.14}}

{{CANelec|ON|Ontario Party|Maria Morgis|256|0.58|–0.18}}

{{CANelec/total|Total valid votes|44,453|99.39|–0.06}}

{{CANelec/total|Total rejected, unmarked and declined ballots|274|0.61|+0.06}}

{{CANelec/total|Turnout|44,727|40.22|+0.43}}

{{CANelec/total|Eligible voters|111,214}}

{{CANelec/hold|ON|PC|+3.68}}

{{CANelec/source|Source: Elections Ontario{{cite web|url=https://voterinformationservice.elections.on.ca/en/election/10-general-election-feb-27-2025/45-king-vaughan?tab=candidates|title=Candidates in: King—Vaughan (045)|publisher=Elections Ontario|access-date=13 February 2025}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.elections.on.ca/content/dam/NGW/sitecontent/2025/results/Vote%20Totals%20From%20Official%20Tabulation%20-%20King%E2%80%94Vaughan%20045.pdf |title=Vote Totals From Official Tabulation |date=3 March 2025 |access-date=4 March 2025 |publisher=Elections Ontario}}}}

{{end}}

{{2022 Ontario general election/King—Vaughan}}

{{CANelec/top|ON|2018|percent=yes|change=yes}}

{{CANelec|ON|PC|Stephen Lecce| 29,136 | 56.62 |+24.34}}

{{CANelec|ON|Liberal|Marilyn Iafrate| 12,012 | 23.34 |-27.97}}

{{CANelec|ON|NDP|Andrea Beal| 7,921 | 15.39 |+3.70}}

{{CANelec|ON|Green|Greg Locke| 1,754 | 3.41 |+0.43}}

{{CANelec|ON|Trillium|Roman Evtukh| 252 | 0.49 |}}

{{CANelec|ON|Libertarian|Yan Simkin| 235 | 0.46 |}}

{{CANelec|ON|Moderate|Tatiana Babitch| 151 | 0.29 |}}

{{CANelec/total|Total valid votes||100.0  }}

{{CANelec/source|Source: Elections Ontario}}

{{end}}

{{Reflist}}

{{Commons category|Stephen Lecce}}

• [https://www.ola.org/en/members/all/stephen-lecce Biography] from the Legislative Assembly of Ontario

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Category:1986 births

Category:Living people

Category:Canadian people of Italian descent

Category:Members of the Executive Council of Ontario

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Category:21st-century members of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario