Manitoba Premier Brian Pallister shuffled his cabinet on Tuesday, January 5, 2021, and also created three new positions.
Three back benchers were promoted by the premier and several high profile ministers switched departments.
Wayne Ewasko, MLA for Lac du Bonnet was sworn in as minister for advanced education, skills and immigration.
Derek Johnson, MLA for Interlake–Gimli becomes minister for municipal relations
Audrey Gordon, MLA for Southdale becomes the minister for mental health, wellness and recovery. This is a new department. Gordon is also the first Black person to be appointed to cabinet in provincial history.
“Mental health is every bit as important as physical health and will be an unfortunate legacy of this pandemic,” said Pallister. “This new department will develop a provincial mental health and addictions strategy across government to help Manitobans and families get the care and support they need. Minister Gordon’s experience as a health professional and her personal empathy and compassion make her the ideal person to lead this challenge.”
Kelvin Goertzen, MLA for Steinbach, moves from education to become deputy premier and minister of legislative and public affairs and retains his role as government house leader.
Cliff Cullen, MLA for Spruce Woods, moves from justice to education.
Cameron Friesen, MLA for Morden-Winkler, becomes minister of justice and attorney general. He previously headed the health portfolio.
Heather Stefanson, MLA for Tuxedo, moves from families to become one of two ministers dealing with health her new role is the minister of health and seniors care.
“Seniors are among the most vulnerable in our society and I want to ensure our health-care system is focused on their needs today and tomorrow. Minister Stefanson is a proven minister who gets results for people and is perfect to lead this department in the next phase of dealing with COVID,” said Pallister.
Rochelle Squires, MLA for Riel, becomes minister of families as well as minister responsible for francophone affairs.
Ralph Eichler, MLA for Lakeside, becomes minister of economic development and jobs.
Ministers whose portfolio responsibilities have not changed are:
- 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;
- Scott Fielding – minister of finance;
- Jeff Wharton – minister of Crown services;
- Reg Helwer – minister of central services; and
- Sarah Guillemard – minister of conservation and climate.
In all there are now 18 ministers in cabinet up from 15.
© News4.ca 2021
