Updated: Tue Nov. 03 2009 18:45:32
ctvwinnipeg.ca
Manitoba Premier Greg Selinger unveiled his new NDP cabinet Tuesday afternoon. Shortly after winning the NDP leadership, Selinger announced an impending cabinet change up.
"I'm confident these new ministers being appointed today will make Manitoba proud," said Selinger in a statement.
The shuffle features a number of people moving into new cabinet posts, including Rosann Wowchuk who will manage the books as minister of finance, taking over Selinger's old job, becoming the first woman to hold the job. Wowchuk was previously the minister of agriculture.
Veteran federal NDP MP Bill Blaikie, who switched to provincial politics in the spring, also has his first cabinet portfolio.
Blaikie has been named the new minister of conservation, a post formerly held by Stan Struthers. Blaikie will also become the government house leader.
Other new ministers include:
- Jennifer Howard - minister of labour and immigration and minister responsible for persons with disabilities
- Flor Marcelino - minister of culture, heritage and tourism
Marcelino is also the first woman of colour to serve as a cabinet minister in Manitoba.
Selinger also shuffled a number of other cabinet posts, moving some ministers into new cabinet roles.
Ministers who now have new portfolios include:
- Andrew Swan - minister of justice and attorney general
- Dave Chomiak - minister of innovation, energy and mines;
- Stan Struthers - minister of agriculture, food and rural initiatives
- Kerri Irvin-Ross - minister of housing and community development
- Eric Robinson - minister of Aboriginal and northern affairs
- Steve Ashton - minister of infrastructure and transportation
- Peter Bjornson - minister of entrepreneurship, training and trade;
- Jim Rondeau - minister of healthy living, citizenship and youth;
- Nancy Allan - minister of education; and
- Ron Lemieux - minister of local government
Four ministers will remain in their previous posts. Theresa Oswald remains as minister of health, Gord Mackintosh will continue as minister of family services and will also assume responsibility for consumer affairs. Christine Melnick continues as minister of water stewardship and Diane McGifford remains as minister of advanced education and literacy.
- with a report from CTV's Joe Olafson
