Manitoba cabinet shuffle adds a third health minister, promotes four to inner circle
Posted January 18, 2022 2:48 pm.
Last Updated January 18, 2022 6:25 pm.
Manitoba Premier Heather Stefanson is adding a third health minister and promoting four backbenchers in her first cabinet shuffle since she took office in November.
Stefanson has promoted Scott Johnston to become minister of a new portfolio for seniors and long-term care.
Audrey Gordon retains responsibility for acute health care, and Sarah Guillemard moves from conservation to become minister for mental health and community wellness.
Eileen Clarke, who resigned as Indigenous relations minister under former premier Brian Pallister last year, is back in cabinet as minister of municipal relations.
WATCH: Manitoba swearing-in ceremony
Other backbenchers being promoted are Andrew Smith to sport, culture and heritage, and Doyle Piwniuk as minister of transportation and infrastructure.
Two people are out of cabinet – Cathy Cox, who was sport, culture and heritage minister, and Ralph Eichler who headed up agriculture.
Several other ministers are changing portfolios.
Kelvin Goertzen moves from parliamentary affairs to justice. Cameron Friesen moves from justice to finance.
Scott Fielding moves from finance to natural resources. Cliff Cullen moves from education to economic development, and Wayne Ewasko moves from advanced education to education.
“I am confident this team will focus on the priorities of Manitobans as we continue to fight back against COVID-19 and work together to build a healthier, stronger and more prosperous province for all,” Stefanson said in a news release Tuesday.
WATCH: Premier speaks with media following swearing-in ceremony
Her only notable lineup change before Tuesday was the removal of Ron Schuler, former infrastructure minister, from cabinet in December.
Stefanson said Schuler’s messaging on COVID-19 vaccines was inconsistent with the government’s efforts to get people immunized.
Hospitalizations due to COVID-19 have jumped in Manitoba and the number of patients in intensive care is well above pre-pandemic normal capacity.
Federal statistics show Manitoba has recorded the second-highest, per-capita death rate from COVID-19 among all provinces.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Jan. 18, 2022.
