Premier Heather Stefanson has rejigged her Cabinet, in part, to fill portfolios left by departing MLAs such as Cameron Friesen.
Eileen Clarke becomes minister of Indigenous reconciliation and northern relations.
Friesen announced his imminent resignation as Morden-Winkler MLA on Friday. His role as the province's Finance minister has been shifted to Deputy Premier and Spruce Woods MLA Cliff Cullen, who also assumes Friesen's responsibilities as the minister in charge of Manitoba Hydro.
James Teitsma, the MLA for Radisson, is among four new ministers announced today, and becomes Minister of the reframed Department of Consumer Protection and Government Services, two responsibilities previously held by outgoing Brandon West MLA Reg Helwer.
Borderland MLA Josh Guenter will serve as legislative assistant to Finance, playing an integral role in the government’s upcoming pre-budget consultation process, explained the Premier.
“While retaining the experience of ministers including Kelvin Goertzen, Rochelle Squires, Jeff Wharton, Cliff Cullen, I am excited to welcome fresh new energy and ideas from James Teitsma, Janice Morley-Lecomte, Kevin Klein and Manitoba’s first-ever Muslim MLA, Obby Khan,” said Stefanson.
Janice Morley-Lecomte (Seine River) joins cabinet as minister of mental health and community wellness. Ibrahim (Obby) Khan (Fort Whyte) becomes minister of sport, culture and heritage. Kevin Klein (Kirkfield Park) will serve as minister of the refreshed Department of Environment and Climate Change.
The premier also took the opportunity to recognize MLAs departing cabinet, thanking them for their service and dedication to their community and province. Stefanson noted MLAs Reg Helwer (Brandon West), Cameron Friesen (Morden-Winkler) and Alan Lagimodiere (Selkirk) have all made significant contributions to build a stronger, more prosperous Manitoba through their work in cabinet, caucus and in their local communities.
“I will continue to seek their wise counsel and I thank them for their personal sacrifices and many years of service to Manitoba,” Stefanson said.
Other changes to executive council include:
- Jeff Wharton becomes minister of economic development, investment and trade;
- Jon Reyes will serve as minister of the newly established Department of Labour and Immigration;
- Sarah Guillemard will serve as minister of the reframed Department of Advanced Education and Training; and
- Andrew Smith moves to the Department of Municipal Relations and retains responsibility for Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries Corporation.
“Together, I am confident this cabinet will quickly tackle the shifting challenges in Manitoba as we all work to heal our health care, make life more affordable, make our streets safer and grow our economy and communities,” Stefanson said.
Additionally, Josh Guenter (Borderland) will serve as legislative assistant to finance to play an integral role in the government’s upcoming pre-budget consultation process, Stefanson noted.
Monday's cabinet shuffle is the third of four steps to refresh executive council to ensure the Manitoba government is better able to get things done quickly for the benefit of all Manitobans, noted the province. The fourth and final step of Manitoba government renewal, a shuffle of deputy ministers, will occur in due course, said Stefanson.