Manitoba cabinet shuffle adds a third health minister, promotes four to inner circle

Manitoba Premier Heather Stefanson speaks to media previous to the studying of the speech from the throne on the Manitoba Legislature in Winnipeg, Tuesday, Nov. 23, 2021.

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WINNIPEG - Manitoba Premier Heather Stefanson added a 3rd well being minister to her internal circle Tuesday and made adjustments to most different main positions in her first cupboard shuffle since she took workplace in November.

Stefanson promoted Scott Johnston from the backbenches to change into minister of a brand new separate portfolio for seniors and long-term care. He joins Audrey Gordon, who retains duty for acute well being care, and Sarah Guillemard, who strikes from conservation to change into minister for psychological well being and neighborhood wellness.

“Popping out of the pandemic, we’ve seen the place it has been very difficult for seniors in Manitoba and we have to begin focusing and emphasizing on that,” Stefanson stated.

Three different backbenchers had been promoted to cupboard together with Eileen Clarke, who resigned as Indigenous relations minister final 12 months underneath former premier Brian Pallister.

Clarke left over feedback Pallister made about protesters who tore down statues on the legislature garden. She stated on the time that many voices within the caucus weren't being heard.

Clarke stated Tuesday that's not the case underneath Stefanson.

“That modified 100 per cent the day this premier took workplace,” stated Clarke, who was named municipal relations minister.

“We had a caucus assembly following and ... it was rewarding simply to be part of it, to be there and know all of us had a voice and that we had been all going to be working as a crew.”

The opposite promoted backbenchers are Andrew Smith to sport, tradition and heritage, and Doyle Piwniuk as minister of transportation and infrastructure.

Two persons are out of cupboard — Cathy Cox, who was sport, tradition and heritage minister, and Ralph Eichler who headed up agriculture.

A number of different ministers have modified portfolios.

Kelvin Goertzen strikes from parliamentary affairs to justice. Cameron Friesen strikes from justice to finance.

Scott Fielding strikes from finance to pure sources and northern improvement. Stefanson stated the transfer shouldn't be a demotion.

“It’s under no circumstances. What’s so thrilling is that that is sending a message that we need to work with Indigenous companions on transferring ahead and getting jobs and hope and alternative for Indigenous Manitobans,” she stated.

“It’s going to be a extremely thrilling portfolio, I feel, for Mr. Fielding.”

The Progressive Conservative authorities lags properly behind the Opposition New Democrats in opinion polls and faces heavy criticism over its response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

COVID-19 hospitalizations have jumped in Manitoba and the variety of sufferers in intensive care is properly above pre-pandemic regular capability. Federal statistics present Manitoba has recorded the second-highest per-capita dying fee from the an infection amongst all provinces.

The New Democrats stated altering the cupboard lineup gained’t make a lot of a distinction. Three individuals who had served as well being ministers earlier within the pandemic, together with Stefanson, stay in cupboard in different roles.

“So far as I can see, all of the failed well being ministers of the previous nonetheless have a job on this cupboard,” NDP Chief Wab Kinew stated.

The 4 new ministers are cut up evenly between rural Tory strongholds and suburban Winnipeg seats. One political analyst stated the selection to advertise Smith and Johnston within the suburban seats may very well be an indication that the Tories assume these seats are weak within the election set for October 2023.

“You need to reinforce your energy and maybe assist some (politicians) who're in potential swing ridings on the subsequent election,” stated Paul Thomas, professor emeritus of political research on the College of Manitoba.

“That undoubtedly was a significant consideration in a few of the strikes (Stefanson) made at present.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first revealed Jan. 18, 2022.