ROSETOWN - The premier of Saskatchewan has appointed a new updated cabinet moving forward, with a new minister in every available position.
With this move, Scott Moe has also made a local MLA the longest-serving minister in the history of his Saskatchewan Party government.
"This is a new beginning - a new government with a new mandate from Saskatchewan voters, and today we have a new cabinet," Moe said in a media release. "I know every minister is looking forward to taking on their new responsibilities, addressing the opportunities and challenges that face Saskatchewan.
In the recent election, many people voted to re-elect our government to ensure a strong economy and a bright future, while many others voted for change. Our new government will deliver both.
We will ensure Saskatchewan's economy remains strong and growing, while addressing the challenges of a growing province like timely access to health care and improved learning opportunities for children in our schools."
The cabinet shuffle will see Jim Reiter, MLA for Rosetown-Delisle, become the longest-serving minister as he shifts over to a beefed-up set of responsibilities, taking on the roles of Deputy Premier, Minister of Finance, Minister of Labour Relations and Workplace Safety, and Minister of Immigration and Career Training.
Reiter was first elected to government when the Saskatchewan Party was voted in back in November 2007, and he has been a minister since 2009.
Reiter told WestCentralOnline after the results of last month's provincial election that he was humbled by the confidence that local voters put in him to remain in his position as their local MLA.
"I can't tell you how appreciative I am of that confidence," Reiter told WestCentralOnline. "It's humbling. I appreciate it very much. I think the best way I can show that appreciation is to be the best representative I can be and work as hard as I can."
Meanwhile, four other ministers are entering cabinet for the first time:
Alana Ross as Minister of Parks, Culture and Sport, Minister responsible for the Status of Women, Tourism Saskatchewan and the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority;
Daryl Harrison as Minister of Agriculture;
Travis Keisig as Minister of Environment; and
Eric Schmalz as Minister of Government Relations, Minister responsible for First Nations, Métis and Northern Affairs.
Two former ministers will re-enter cabinet:
Ken Cheveldayoff as Minister of Advanced Education; and
Warren Kaeding as Minister of Trade and Export Development.
Current ministers taking on new responsibilities are:
Everett Hindley becomes Minister of Education;
Jeremy Cockrill becomes Minister of Health;
Lori Carr becomes Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, Seniors and Rural and Remote Health;
Tim McLeod becomes Minister of Justice and Attorney General, Minister of Corrections and Public Safety;
David Marit becomes Minister of Highways, Minister of SaskBuilds and Procurement;
Jeremy Harrison becomes Minister of Crown Investments Corporation and all of its commercial Crown Corporations, and Minister responsible for the Public Service Commission;
Terry Jenson becomes Minister of Social Services; and
Colleen Young becomes Minister of Energy and Resources.
The new 16-member cabinet is two ministers smaller than the previous cabinet.
Premier Moe also named the new House leadership positions for the government caucus. They are:
Government House Leader, Tim McLeod;
Deputy House Leader, Lori Carr;
Government Whip, Todd Goudy; and
Deputy Whip, Sean Wilson.
Jamie Martens becomes the new Provincial Secretary.
Moe has said that the government is planning to hold a fall sitting of the Legislature and a date for the Throne Speech is expected to be announced soon.
