Premier Brian Pallister and 12 Progressive Conservative MLAs were sworn-in today as members of Manitoba’s new executive council in a ceremony conducted by Lt.-Gov. Janice Filmon.
During the swearing-in ceremony, held at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, Pallister spoke of his new government’s commitment to governing for all Manitobans based on the values of Manitobans.
“I am humbled and honoured by the opportunity to serve Manitoba,” Pallister said. “Our team’s plan for a better Manitoba with lower taxes, better services and a stronger economy was overwhelmingly endorsed by Manitobans. We look forward to the opportunity to turn those commitments into reality. We know the job ahead of us will not be easy, but this is the right team to get Manitoba back on track.”
The new executive council represents a one-third reduction in the size of Manitoba’s cabinet, setting a new tone at the top in conducting government business for Manitobans, Pallister said.
The new Manitoba government cabinet, in order of precedence, is as follows:
- Brian Pallister (MLA for Fort Whyte) – premier and president of the executive council; minister of intergovernmental affairs and international relations;
- Heather Stefanson (MLA for Tuxedo) – minister of justice and attorney general, Keeper of the Great Seal of the Province of Manitoba, deputy premier;
- Cameron Friesen (MLA for Morden-Winkler) – minister of finance;
- Kelvin Goertzen (MLA for Steinbach) – minister of health, seniors and active living;
- Ian Wishart (MLA for Portage la Prairie) – minister of education and training;
- Scott Fielding (MLA for Kirkfield Park) – minister of families;
- Blaine Pedersen (MLA for Midland) – minister of infrastructure;
- Eileen Clarke (MLA for Agassiz) – minister of Indigenous and municipal relations;
- Cathy Cox (MLA for River East) – minister of sustainable development;
- Cliff Cullen (MLA for Spruce Woods) – minister of growth, enterprise and trade;
- Ralph Eichler (MLA for Lakeside) – minister of agriculture;
- Rochelle Squires (MLA for Riel) – minister of sport, culture and heritage and minister responsible for francophone affairs and status of women; and
- Ron Schuler (MLA for St. Paul) – minister of Crown services.
Pallister also announced Kelvin Goertzen will be the government house leader and Jon Reyes has been appointed the military envoy.
