Scott Moe has been sworn in as the new Premier of Saskatchewan and his new cabinet has been sworn in as well.
The cabinet sees four former cabinet ministers return to lead ministries, and one MLA appointed to cabinet for the first time. Ten ministers are retaining portfolios.
But lost in the shuffle are both Battlefords MLA Herb Cox and Cut Knife-Turtleford MLA Larry Doke. Both had been appointed to fill vacant cabinet positions while the leadership race was on. But with the race now over, both are now out of cabinet.
The advanced education portfolio that Cox had held now goes to Tina Beaudry-Mellor who is also Minister responsible for Innovation Saskatchewan, and Status of Women.
Meanwhile, Doke has been replaced by first-time cabinet member Warren Kaeding, who becomes Minister of Government Relations and Minister of First Nations, Metis and Northern Affairs.
Of note, leadership rival Gord Wyant is now the new Deputy Premier and Minister of Education. As well, Meadow Lake MLA Jeremy Harrison becomes Minister of Export and Trade Development and Minister of Immigration and Careers Training. The brand-new Export and Trade portfolio had been a campaign promise Moe made during the leadership race.
As well, leadership contender Ken Cheveldayoff is now Minister of Central Services and Minister responsible for the Public Service Commission and the Provincial Capital Commission.
Two ministers change portfolios: Bronwyn Eyre is now Minister of Energy and Resources and Minister responsible for SaskWater and SaskEnergy, and Christine Tell is now Minister of Corrections and Policing, and Minister responsible for Saskatchewan Gaming Corporation.
The other ministers still in cabinet are:
Don Morgan as Minister of Justice and Attorney General, and Minister responsible for Labour Relations and Workplace Safety and Workers’ Compensation Board while adding responsibility for the Global Transportation Hub and SaskTel; Donna Harpauer as Minister of Finance; Lyle Stewart as Minister of Agriculture and Minister responsible for Saskatchewan Crop Insurance; Jim Reiter as Minister of Health; Dustin Duncan as Minister of Environment and Minister responsible for the Water Security Agency and SaskPower; Greg Ottenbreit as Minister of Rural and Remote Health; David Marit as Minister of Highways and Infrastructure, and Minister responsible for SaskBuilds and Priority Saskatchewan; Joe Hargrave as Minister of Crown Investments Corporation, and Minister responsible for Saskatchewan Government Insurance; Paul Merriman as Minister of Social Services; Gene Makowsky as Minister of Parks, Culture and Sport, and Minister responsible for the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority while adding responsibility for Tourism Saskatchewan.
In a news release, Premier Moe praised his new cabinet.
“This team of 17 women and men represent many of the qualities that make our province great,” Moe said.
“As cabinet, we will set targets and continue to strive to reach them. As a team, we will stand with the people of our province. As a team, we will stand with Saskatchewan.”
Immediately after being sworn in as Saskatchewan’s 15th Premier, Premier Scott Moe called three byelections to fill the vacant seats in Kindersley, Melfort and Swift Current.
All three by-elections will be held on March 1.
“I want to ensure every resident of Saskatchewan is represented when the Legislature begins sitting again in March,” Moe said. “Voters in Melfort, Kindersley and Swift Current will decide who is best to represent their constituency and who is best to stand up for Saskatchewan in dealing with the federal government on issues like the carbon tax."
“I look forward to strongly contested campaigns by all parties and candidates.”
