Premier Brad Wall is losing two veteran members of cabinet, as Economy Minister Bill Boyd and Environment Minister Herb Cox have both asked to leave cabinet when the premier reassigns cabinet responsibilities in the coming weeks.
“I have been doing this for a long time, so I think it’s time for me to step back in order for others to have a chance to serve in cabinet,” Boyd said. “Our government is fortunate to have a large and talented caucus, including many new members who were elected for the first time earlier this year, so this is a great opportunity for renewal.”
Boyd said he looks forward to continuing to serve the people of Kindersley constituency as their MLA.
Premier Brad Wall said it’s difficult to lose one of his most experienced cabinet ministers but he respects Boyd’s decision.
“Bill Boyd has been a key member of cabinet since our very first day in government and I will miss his strong leadership at the cabinet table,” Wall said. “That said, I understand his desire to move to a different role in our government at this stage in his political career. I know he will continue to provide strong leadership within the government caucus as he has at the cabinet table for many years.”
Boyd was first elected in 1991 and has served in every cabinet since the current government was first elected in 2007.
For his part, Cox will soon begin stem cell treatment as he battles cancer.
“I have gone through this treatment once before a few years back and I know it would make it extremely difficult to continue to perform my duties as a cabinet minister,” Cox said. “I tremendously enjoy serving in cabinet, but my health has to come first and our caucus is blessed with many other talented members who also deserve the opportunity to serve.
“For that reason, I have spoken with Premier Wall and asked to leave cabinet at the time of the upcoming cabinet shuffle.”
Cox will continue to serve as the MLA for The Battlefords.
Wall said Cox has done a great job as Environment Minister and will be missed at the cabinet table.
“Herb Cox has done a good job managing a number of important environmental files, up to and including our government’s ongoing response to the Husky oil spill,” Wall said.
“However, I agree with my friend that his health has to come first and everyone in our government is pulling for him in his battle with cancer. I look forward to continuing to work with Herb as a valuable member of our government caucus team,” he said.
Cox was first elected to the Legislative Assembly in 2011 and appointed to cabinet as Environment Minister in 2015.
