REGINA - Premier Scott Moe has unveiled his new post-election cabinet with new ministers in every portfolio.
Moe said it was “a new beginning for our government” as he and his 16 member cabinet were sworn in at Government House Thursday.
It is a much changed cabinet with Moe having to fill numerous holes due to the loss of cabinet ministers both to retirements and election defeats.
While it will be largely an experienced cabinet, every minister appointed will be brand-new to their portfolio, with Moe pointing to the need for a fresh set of eyes in each area.
Moe said that in the recent election, many people voted to re-elect the government to ensure a strong economy and a bright future, while many others voted for change. “Now it’s the task of our re-elected government to deliver both.”
Among the highlights:
Jim Reiter moves from Energy and Resources becomes the new Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance, as well as Minister of Labour Relations and Workplace Safety and Minister of Immigration and Career Training.
Current ministers taking on new responsibilities are:
Everett Hindley moving from Health to Education;
Jeremy Cockrill moving from Education to Health;
Lori Carr from Highways to Mental Health and Addictions, Seniors and Rural and Remote Health;
Tim McLeod from Rural and Remote Health to Minister of Justice and Attorney General, Minister of Corrections and Public Safety;
David Marit moves from Agriculture to Ministrr Highways, Minister of SaskBuilds and Procurement;
Jeremy Harrison moves from Trade and Export Development to Minister of Crown Investments Corporation and all of its commercial Crown Corporations, and Minister responsible for the Public Service Commission;
Terry Jenson moves from Minister for SaskBuilds to Minister of Social Services;
Colleen Young moves from Advanced Education to Minister of Energy and Resources.
Re-entering cabinet are:
Ken Cheveldayoff - Minister of Advanced Education, and
Warren Kaeding - Minister of Trade and Export Development.
In cabinet for the first time are:
Alana Ross - Minister of Parks, Culture and Sport, Minister responsible for the Status of Women, Tourism Saskatchewan and the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority;
Daryl Harrison - Minister of Agriculture;
Travis Keisig - Minister of Environment;
Eric Schmalz - Minister of Government Relations, Minister responsible for First Nations, Métis and Northern Affairs. Schmalz is also the only member of Cabinet who is a brand new MLA, representing Saskatchewan Rivers.
The House leadership positions are Tim McLeod as Government House Leader, Lori Carr as Deputy House Leader, Todd Goudy as Government Whip; and the new Canora-Pelly MLA Sean Wilson as Deputy Whip. Newly-elected Jamie Martens from Martensville-Blairmore the new Provincial Secretary.
