Heather Stefanson introduced Manitobans to her new cabinet Monday morning.
The new slate of provincial ministers was sworn in at the Manitoba Legislature at 11 a.m.
Stefanson promoted four Winnipeg backbenchers: Obby Khan (sport culture and heritage), Kevin Klein (environment and climate change), Janice Morley-Lecomte (mental health and community wellness) and James Teitsma (consumer protection and government services).
The shuffle also saw some ministers change roles. Cliff Cullen moves from economic development to finance, while Eileen Clarke moves from municipal relations to Indigenous reconciliation.
Cullen will remain in his role as deputy premier, although both Cullen and Clarke are among the MLAs stepping down at the end of their terms.
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Stefanson’s Progressive Conservative party has seen roughly one-third of the 36-member caucus elected in 2019 say they are not running again in this fall’s provincial election.
That includes cabinet ministers Clarke and Cullen, but also former finance minister Cameron Friesen, who announced his bid for a federal seat on Friday — as well as former government services minister Reg Helwer and Alan Lagimodiere, former minister of Indigenous reconciliation and northern relations.
All have said they intend to serve out their terms but won’t run again.
Other new jobs in the legislature include Jeff Wharton becoming minister of economic development, investment and trade, Sarah Guillemard moving to advanced education and training, and Andrew Smith becoming minister of municipal relations.
With an election scheduled for this fall, the Tories continue to trail the opposition New Democrats in opinion polls, especially in Winnipeg, which is home to the most seats in the legislature.
— with files from The Canadian Press
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