Manitoba’s Chief Justice Richard Chartier conducted a ceremony that saw the swearing-in of Premier Brian Pallister’s new cabinet members today.

A number of new departments were created as well as a number of ministers were assigned to new portfolios.

The new Department of Central Services will be headed by Brandon West MLA Reg Helwer. This department is tasked with the modernization of government services. Helwer is also responsible for the Civil Service Commission.

The Department of Conservation and Climate was created to handle environmental and climate stewardship. Sarah Guillemard has been sworn in as minister. She will be responsible for Manitoba’s Climate and Green plant and Efficiency Manitoba.

The new Department of Economic Development and Training will see Ralph Eichler as the minister. This department is mandated to create synergies and alignment between learning and the jobs that will drive the economy. 

The new Department of Agriculture and Resource Development. The new minister, Blaine Pedersen, will be responsible for not only agriculture but also for natural resources including watershed districts, GROW programming, forestry, mining, fish and wildlife management.  

Rochelle Squires moves over to be the new minister for the Department of Municipal Relations. She will also be responsible for Francophone Affairs.

Jeff Wharton stays as minister for Crown Services

Cathy Cox takes over the responsibilities for the status of women along with remaining as minister for he Department of Sport, Culture and Heritage. 

Three MLAs were named as legislative assistants to ministers. Len Isliefson will assist the minister of health, seniors and active living. Scott Johnston will assist the minister of finance. Dennis Smook will assist the minister of economic development and training.

There were no changes to the responsibilities for a number of cabinet members

• Brian Pallister – premier and president of the Executive Council; minister of intergovernmental affairs; 
• Heather Stefanson – Department of Families; deputy premier; 
• Cam Friesen – Department of Health, Seniors and Active Living; 
• Cliff Cullen – Department of Justice and Attorney General;
• Kelvin Goertzen – Department of Education; 
• Eileen Clarke – Department of Indigenous and Northern Relations;
• Ron Schuler – Department of Infrastructure;
• Scott Fielding – Department of Finance. 

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