Premier Brian Pallister unveiled his government’s new cabinet today, shuffling some portfolios and appointing two new ministers.

Sarah Guillemard will become the new Minister of Conservation and Climate, while Reg Helwer assumes the role of Minister of Central Services and the Civil Service. Neither have held a portfolio before.

The Premier didn’t change most of the larger portfolios, with Cameron Friesen staying put as Health Minister and Scott Fielding remaining as Finance Minister. Education Minister Kelvin Goertzen will be solely responsible for kindergarten to Grade 12 education, as post-secondary education responsibilities are now transferred to Ralph Eichler, the new Minister for Economic Development and Training. As MGEU President Michelle Gawronsky points out, the fact that this government continues to make it unclear which minister oversees labour is troubling.

“For many years, there was a Minister of Labour, so the absence of a minister primarily responsible and focused on labour remains concerning,” said Gawronsky. “That’s why, as we congratulate the Ministers on their new roles, I’d also like to extend an invitation to meet and discuss with any of them the services that MGEU members provide. I’m also hopeful that the new portfolio of Central Services and the Civil Service is a sign that this government will be placing more priority on the vital public services our members provide in the Civil Service.”

Changes to ministries, new portfolios, and MLAs with additional responsibilities:

  • Ralph Eichler (MLA for Lakeside) – Minister of Economic Development and Training
  • Blaine Pedersen (MLA for Midland) – Minister of Agriculture and Resource Development
  • Rochelle Squires (MLA for Riel) – Minister of Municipal Relations and Minister Responsible for Francophone Affairs
  • Cathy Cox (MLA for Kildonan-River East) – Minister of Sport, Culture, Heritage and Minister Responsible for the Status of Women
  • Jeff Wharton (MLA for Red River North) – Minister of Crown Services
  • Reg Helwer (MLA for Brandon West) – Minister of Central Services and Civil Service
  • Sarah Guillemard (MLA for Fort Richmond) – Minister of Conservation and Climate

MLAs remaining in their current portfolios:

  • Brian Pallister (MLA for Fort Whyte) – Premier and president of the Executive Council; Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs
  • Heather Stefanson (MLA for Tuxedo) – Minister of Families; Deputy Premier
  • Cam Friesen (MLA for Morden-Winkler) – Minister of Health, Seniors and Active Living
  • Cliff Cullen (MLA for Spruce Woods) – Minister of Justice and Attorney General
  • Kelvin Goertzen (MLA for Steinbach) – Minister of Education
  • Eileen Clarke (MLA for Agassiz) – Minister of Indigenous and Northern Relations
  • Ron Schuler (MLA for Springfield-Ritchot) – Minister of Infrastructure
  • Scott Fielding (MLA for Kirkfield Park) – Minister of Finance

Updated mandate letters for each of the Ministers will be provided to cabinet during the next legislative session.