Manitoba Premier Brian Pallister shuffled his cabinet while adding two brand new positions after being re-elected for a second term.
“I am humbled to serve Manitobans for a second term,” Pallister says. “We have made historic progress in putting more money back on the kitchen tables of Manitobans by reducing the PST and introducing other significant tax relief measures. We remain committed to returning more money to Manitobans who worked so hard to earn it in the first place. We have made great progress, but there is still much more to do.”
Five positions have changed and among those who were shuffled, was Agriculture Minister Ralph Eichler, who is now responsible for the new Department of Economic Development and Training. Its aim is to focus on economic development, post-secondary education and training to create synergies and alignment between learning and the jobs that will drive the economy.
Replacing Eichler is Blaine Pederson. The agriculture portfolio now also includes resource development, which means Pederson will focus on agriculture and natural resources, including watershed districts, GROW programming, forestry, mining, fish and wildlife management.
Find Manitoba’s new agriculture and resource development minister on Twitter.
According to Pederson’s website, he has over 30 years of farming experience in cattle and grain operations, and understands a strong agriculture sector is vital to the Midland Constituency. He’s has been active in many livestock organizations including the Manitoba Cattle Producers Association, Feeder Cattle Finance organizations and field shelterbelt planting management group. (story continues below player)
New minister of Conservation and Climate
Premier Pallister also introduced a new position of minister of conservation and climate, filled by Sarah Guillemard. Guillemard’s main focus will be on “ensuring responsible growth including delivery of the made-in-Manitoba Climate and Green Plan, and Efficiency Manitoba.”
In addition, Reg Helwer has been named to the new position of minister of central services.
Mandate letters will be updated following the next legislative session.
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