Insights and Analysis

Premier Scott Moe’s New, Streamlined Cabinet

Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe today unveiled a leaner, 16-member cabinet designed to address Saskatchewan’s evolving needs and reflect his party’s restored political mandate from the October 28th election. The new cabinet introduces fresh faces, adjusts roles for existing members, and places experienced leaders in critical positions to tackle issues from economic growth to energy policy to healthcare and education.

In announcing his cabinet, Premier Moe emphasized this as a “new beginning” for Saskatchewan, reiterating his commitment to a strong economy and addressing challenges like healthcare accessibility. He stressed this streamlined cabinet, smaller by two members than the previous configuration, would bring both continuity and innovation, balancing Saskatchewan’s core economic strengths with public services and social priorities.

Long-serving MLA, Jim Reiter (Rosetown-Delisle) takes on a dual role as Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance, consolidating his extensive government experience since 2009 to also oversee Labour Relations, Workplace Safety, and Immigration and Career Training. This key appointment underscores Moe’s prioritization of fiscal stability and strategic workforce development amid growing demands.

New Cabinet Members

Four new ministers have joined the cabinet, bringing fresh perspectives to significant portfolios:

  • Alana Ross (Prince Albert-Northcote) now oversees Parks, Culture and Sport, alongside responsibilities for Tourism Saskatchewan, the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority, and the Status of Women.
  • Daryl Harrison (Cannington) takes the reins as Minister of Agriculture, a critical role given Saskatchewan’s agricultural backbone (previously, Harrison served as the Legislative Secretary for Value-Added Agriculture and Livestock Engagement).
  • Travis Keisig (Last-Mountain Touchwood) steps in as Minister of Environment, focusing on balancing environmental stewardship with industry growth.
  • Eric Schmalz (Saskatchewan Rivers) has been appointed Minister of Government Relations, with added responsibilities for First Nations, Métis, and Northern Affairs, signaling Moe’s commitment to fostering relationships with Indigenous communities.

Returning and Repositioned Ministers

In a move that highlights the Premier’s focus on stable economic growth and development, Ken Cheveldayoff (Saskatoon-Willowgrove) and Warren Kaeding (Melville-Saltcoats) rejoin the cabinet as Ministers of Advanced Education and Trade and Export Development, respectively.

Several current ministers have also been assigned new portfolios:

  • Everett Hindley (Swift Current) transitions to Minister of Education, while Jeremy Cockrill (The Battlefords) assumes the critical role of Minister of Health.
  • Lori Carr (Estevan-Big Muddy) becomes Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, Seniors, and Rural and Remote Health.
  • Tim McLeod (Moose Jaw North) steps into the dual role of Minister of Justice, Attorney General, and Corrections and Public Safety, a significant reshuffling aimed at fortifying legal and safety frameworks.
  • David Marit (Wood River) will lead Highways and SaskBuilds, while Jeremy Harrison (Meadow Lake) oversees Crown Investments, focusing on commercial Crown Corporations and the Public Service Commission.
  • Terry Jenson (Warman) becomes Minister of Social Services; and
  • Colleen Young (Lloydminster) moves into Minister of Energy and Resources – a logical move given the importance of oil and gas in her constituency. 

Leadership in the Legislative Assembly

Premier Moe also named key leaders in the legislature: Tim McLeod as Government House Leader, Lori Carr as Deputy House Leader, Todd Goudy as Government Whip, and Sean Wilson as Deputy Whip. Jamie Martens steps in as the new Provincial Secretary.

What’s Next?

Looking ahead, the government will hold a fall sitting, with a date for the Throne Speech expected soon. This legislative session is anticipated to address the province’s pressing issues by introducing measures to fulfill campaign commitments the Sask Party made during the recent election campaign.

Prairie Sky Strategy will monitor developments closely as Premier Moe’s team tackles Saskatchewan’s challenges in this new term. We’re here to help you navigate these changes, from understanding legislative priorities to identifying opportunities for engagement with the new cabinet. Reach out to our team for strategic guidance on aligning your goals with Saskatchewan’s evolving government landscape.

We’re Here to Help

For more information and insights about what these developments mean for the political landscape in Saskatchewan, please reach out to our experts:

Darin Banadyga – Senior Strategy Advisor
darin@prairieskystrategy.ca
306.213.8211

Theo Bryson – Senior Strategy Advisor
theo@prairieskystrategy.ca
306.537.4465

Kevin Doherty – Senior Strategy Advisor
kevin@prairieskystrategy.ca
306.570.7123

Tom Lukiwski – Senior Strategy Advisor
tom@prairieskystrategy.ca
306.501.7933

Bronte Prosser – Senior Strategy Advisor
bronte@prairieskystrategy.ca
306.270.7405

To learn more about Prairie Sky Strategy, please visit our website.

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