With the recent provincial election now in the rearview mirror, the Saskatchewan Party government is ready to get back to business. And, the first item on Premier Scott Moe’s to-do list was to appoint a new cabinet. The shakeup has resulted in a smaller cabinet with a new minister in every cabinet position. This includes Meadow Lake MLA Jeremy Harrison who, prior to the Oct. 28 vote, served as minister of trade and export development and minister of immigration and career training. Going forward, however, Harrison is the new minister of Crown Investments Corporation and all of its commercial Crown corporations. He also now serves as minister responsible for the Public Service Commission.
“I am honoured to once again have the trust placed in me by the premier to serve in Saskatchewan’s cabinet,” Harrison told Northern Pride. “I look forward to stepping into my new role as minister of Crown Investments Corporation, pursuing opportunities to further grow Saskatchewan’s economy and the economy of northwest Saskatchewan, and ensuring our province is the best place in Canada to live, work, invest and raise a family.” Meanwhile, the government’s longest-serving minister Jim Reiter becomes the new deputy-premier and minister of finance. Reiter has been a minister since 2009. He will also serve as minister of labour relations and workplace safety and minister of immigration and career training.
Four ministers are entering cabinet for the first time including: 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, and minister responsible for First Nations, Métis and Northern Affairs. Two former ministers will re-enter cabinet. They include Ken Cheveldayoff as minister of advanced education and Warren Kaeding as minister of trade and export development. Along with Harrison, current ministers taking on new responsibilities are: Everett Hindley as minister of education; Jeremy Cockrill as minister of health; Lori Carr as minister of mental health and addictions, seniors and rural and remote health; Tim McLeod as minister of justice and attorney general, as well as minister of corrections and public safety; David Marit as minister of highways, and minister of SaskBuilds and Procurement; Terry Jenson as minister of social services; and Colleen Young as minister of energy and resources.
The new 16-member cabinet is two ministers smaller than the previous cabinet. 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.
“This is a new beginning – a new government with a new mandate from Saskatchewan voters, and today we have a new cabinet,” Moe said. “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.” Premier Moe said the government is planning to hold a fall sitting of the Legislature and a date for the throne speech will be announced soon.