Manitoba splits health minister job in 2, expands cabinet in midst of pandemic

Premier Brian Pallister has expanded hiscabinet and splitthe health minister's job in two as he battlesa pandemic that has sunk the popularity of his government.

Heather Stefansonand Audrey Gordonnow share the health portfolio, which was previously handledby Cameron Friesen, who now leads the justice department,the premier announcedat a swearing-in ceremony on Tuesday.

Pallister called it a "hopeful day" after unveiling the cabinet shuffle, which featured the addition of three new faces, including Manitoba's first Black cabinet minister.

"I know the stories of these capable people.The triumphs in their lives have not come without significant challenges," he said.

"It's a Manitoba shuffle, in a way, in the sense that we are a diverse province," Pallistersaid.

Stefanson, the former families minister, will take a leading role in the COVID-19 pandemic response as the minister of health and seniors.

1st Black cabinet member

Gordon, a first-term MLA, leads the new Department ofMental Health, Wellnessand Recovery.

Pallister said Gordon's appointment as Manitoba's first Black cabinet minister marksa historic day,but she "wasn't appointed because of race, she was appointed because of merit," after working in the civil service for 20 years.

The premier said removing Friesen from the health portfolio wasn't a reflection on his performance. He was under fire in November for accusing doctors of causing chaos when they said in a letter that the health-care system is overwhelmed.

"I've got a tremendous amount of respect for CameronFriesen or he wouldn't be our new attorney general and justice minister," Pallister said.

The 2 years Friesen held the position is longer than many other health ministersin Canada, and no one could have foreseen COVID-19, the premier said.

When asked if Friesen wanted out, Pallister said, "it doesn't really matter, frankly; it's what the premier wants."

In addition to Gordon, Pallister added Interlake-Gimli MLA Derek Johnson andLac du Bonnet MLA Wayne Ewaskoto his inner circle. Of the18 cabinet ministers, six of them are women.No ministers were removed fromcabinet.

While in opposition, Pallister criticized the size of the NDP's cabinet, which his government is now one person shy of reaching with 18 cabinet ministers. He'sprogressively added more cabinet ministers since he selected 12 after the 2016 election.

"When we first came into government, we had no one, apart from myself, who had ever served in a cabinet," Pallister said. "Wedidn'twant to putpeoplein positions of power and influence before they were ready."

Among other changes in the cabinet overhaul Tuesday, Cliff Cullen became theeducation minister, moving fromthe justice portfolio that now belongsto Friesen. He was described by Pallister as a"strong supporter of the public school system."

Cullen replaces Kelvin Goertzen, who now heads theDepartment ofLegislative and Public Affairs. He also isdeputy premier, a roleStefanson once held.

Rochelle Squires leads the families department. She retainsher role as the minister responsible for francophone affairs.

Meeting Bowman a priority

Johnson, a former councillor in the rural municipalityof St. Laurent, takes responsibility for the municipal relations file from Squires.

He said hisfirst phone call would be to Winnipeg Mayor Brian Bowman.

"It'll be a number that he may not recognize, but I'll reach out to him and see if we can strike up our first conversation," Johnson said.

Ewasko will headthe newDepartment of Advanced Education, Skills and Immigration, while Ralph Eichler willfocus on economy recoveryas the minister responsible for economic development and jobs.

All other ministers are keeping their portfolios:

• Finance Minister Scott Fielding.
• Infrastructure Minister Ron Schuler.
• Crown Services Minister Jeff Wharton.
• Agriculture and Resource Development Minister Blaine Pedersen.
• Indigenous and Northern Relations Minister Eileen Clarke.
• Minister of Sports, Culture and Heritage Cathy Cox.
• Minister of Conservation and Climate Sarah Guillemard.
• Minister of Central Services Reg Helwer.

Thisis Manitoba'sfirst cabinet shuffle since October 2019.

The swearing-inceremonyTuesday consisted of no audience members and only three ministers were permitted in the room at a time for physical distancing purposes.

The government has recently suffered itslowest approval ratings since the Tories took office. The blame has been attributed to the government's response to the pandemic. In the fall,COVID-19 cases were spikingand delays for test results and contact tracing lastedfor days.

NDP Leader Wab Kinew said Friesenis paying the price.

"The bottom line is that Mr. Pallister fired his health minister and he did so in the middle of the pandemic," Kinew said.

"That is not good for Manitoba, but unfortunately, it is a reflection of Mr. Friesen and Mr. Pallister'sfailings."

Some other provinces also have two health ministers. For example, in Ontario, one is dedicated to long-term care, while in British Columbia, one is focused on mental health and addictions.

Brian Pallister shuffles his cabinet ministers

4 years ago

Duration 2:34

Premier Brian Pallister unveiled his new cabinet on Tuesday. In December, the premier said he was thinking about adding a second health minister to help cover a massive portfolio in a very difficult time.