Premier Greg Selinger with the new members of his cabinet during a swearing-in ceremony on Monday, November 3, 2014. (SARAH TAYLOR / CHRISD.CA)
Premier Greg Selinger speaks with reporters following a cabinet shuffle at the Manitoba Legislature on Monday. (SARAH TAYLOR / CHRISD.CA)
WINNIPEG — Manitoba Premier Greg Selinger shuffled his cabinet Monday afternoon after five cabinet ministers resigned.
Finance Minister Jennifer Howard, Justice Minister Andrew Swan, Municipal Government Minister Stan Struthers, Jobs and Economy Minister Theresa Oswald and Health Minister Erin Selby resigned their duties at a news conference, but will remain NDP MLAs.
The five had spoken out against Selinger’s ability to lead the party amid sinking poll numbers and his inability to listen to their concerns as ministers.
Replacing them will be Greg Dewar as Minister of Finance, James Allum as Minister of Justice, Drew Caldwell as Municipal Government Minister, Kevin Chief as Minister of Jobs and the Economy, and Sharon Blady as Minister of Health.
“Manitobans have elected a dedicated, diverse and experienced group of government MLAs, representing every region of our province, with experience in a wide variety of fields,” Selinger said. “I am pleased to appoint my new cabinet today, drawing from our strengths of our talented team. Our government will remain focused on the priorities of all Manitobans — creating jobs and opportunities, investing in infrastructure and protecting the services families count on.”
Other changes to cabinet include:
- Kerri Irvin-Ross, minister of housing and community development, minister responsible for persons with disabilities
- Eric Robinson, minister responsible for Manitoba Hydro
- Peter Bjornson, minister of education and advanced learning
- Deanne Crothers, minister of healthy living and seniors
- Melanie Wight, minister of children and youth opportunities
The changes will see the number of cabinet ministers reduced to 18 from 19.
View the photo gallery below.
