QUEBEC CITY – There were some big changes as Quebec Premier Philippe Couillard shuffled his cabinet Thursday morning, the first time since the Liberals were elected in April 2014.
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Opposition parties had been urging the Premier to move things around.
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In February 2015, the Premier was put in the hot seat, defending ministers that were considered to be weak links.
“I have confidence in my team, I will not comment on rumours and articles in newspapers. We will go forward,” Couillard said in 2015.
“I have a lot of talent both in cabinet and in my caucus and I’m very happy with the team that is around me.”
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The majority government has had its ups and downs, but said it hopes its first cabinet shuffle will be beneficial.
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Carlos Leitao will stay on as Finance Minister and Gaétan Barrette will continues as Health Minister.
The new group of ministers will be tasked with fulfilling the Liberals’ election promise of creating 250,000 jobs within five years of taking office.
What are the big changes?
Pierre Moreau replaces François Blais as Education Minister; Blais is moved to Employment and Social Solidarity.
Martin Coiteux, who was Quebec Treasury Board president, is now in charge of municipal affairs and public security.
Former Labour Minister Sam Hamad replaces Coiteux as Treasury Board president.
Former Tourism Minister Dominique Vien is named Labour Minister; Tourism goes to Julie Boulet.
Sébastien Proulx replaces Francine Charbonneau as Family Minister; she is now in charge of Seniors and the fight against bullying.
Newcomer Dominique Anglade is now Minister of Economy, Science and Innovation.
Former Economy Minister Jacques Daoust replaces Robert Poëti as Transport Minister.
Lise Thériault, back from sick leave, is named Deputy Premier and will lead a multi-pronged portfolio that includes women’s issues, small and medium businesses and regional economic development.
Rita de Santis joins cabinet as Minister for Democratic Institutions Reform and Access to Information.
Luc Fortin is named Minister of Sports and Leisure.
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