Premier Brian Pallister has announced his cabinet shuffle. Some highlights include a new health minister, a second health minister, and Manitoba's first Black cabinet minister.
Six Ministers have received new responsibilities.
Kelvin Goertzen has gone from education minister to the deputy premier and minister of legislative and public affairs.
Heather Stefanson, who was the deputy premier and families minister is now the minister of health and seniors care.
Cameron Friesen is changing from health, seniors, and active living minister to the justice minister and attorney general.
Former justice minister and attorney general Cliff Cullen is now the education minister.
Ralph Eichler, who was the minister of economic development and training is now the minister of economic development and jobs.
Rochelle Squires, who was the minister of municipal relations and francophone affairs is now the minister of families and francophone affairs.
Three new ministers have been appointed.
Wayne Ewasko has been appointed the minister of advanced education, skills and immigration.
Derek Johnson has been appointed the minister of municipal relations.
Finally, Audrey Gordon has been appointed the minister of mental health, wellness, and recovery. After making history as the first Black MLA, she is now Manitoba’s first Black cabinet minister.
There’s also a number of ministers keeping their responsibilities:
- Ron Schuler – minister of infrastructure
- Blaine Pedersen – minister of agriculture and resource development
- Eileen Clarke – minister of Indigenous and northern relations
- Cathy Cox – minister of sports, culture and heritage and minister responsible for the status of women
- Scott Fielding – minister of finance
- Jeff Wharton – minister of Crown services
- Reg Helwer – minister of central services
- Sarah Guillemard – minister of conservation and climate
A news release from the province says the Premier will speak to the media at 1 p.m., and at 2:30 p.m., the new ministers will speak to the media.
This has caused the daily COVID update to be pushed back to 3:30 p.m.
This is the first time since October 2019 there's been a cabinet shuffle.
