Saskatchewan Government Signals Leadership Reset with Senior Public Service Changes

On June 9th, the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce held their annual Deputy Minister’s Breakfast event where the Government of Saskatchewan announced a significant series of senior leadership appointments across ministries, Crown corporations, and central agencies, signalling a broad refresh of the province’s public service leadership.

Among the key changes:

• Tracey Smith has been appointed Deputy Minister of Finance
• Shawn Jaques becomes Deputy Minister of Agriculture
• Rebecca Carter will serve as Deputy Minister of Health
• Louise Michaud has been named Deputy Minister of Education
• Max Bilson will take on the role of Deputy Minister of Justice and Attorney General, supported by Josh Freistadt as Associate Deputy Minister.

Additional deputy minister appointments include:

• Blair Wagar (Social Services)
• Clint Repski (Advanced Education)
• Laurier Donais (Labour Relations and Workplace Safety)
• Richelle Bourgoin (Trade and Export Development)
• Drew Wilby (Government Relations)
• Greg Tuer (Immigration and Career Training)
• Bill Greuel (Energy and Resources)
• Sharla Hordenchuk (Environment)
• Kimberly Kratzig (Community Safety)
• Kevin France (SaskBuilds and Procurement)

Several Crown and agency leadership changes were also announced:

• Jodi Banks will join Crown Investments Corporation (CIC) on June 8, 2026, before assuming the role of President and CEO on July 1
• Denise Macza will join CIC as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
• Kent Campbell has been named President and CEO of SGI
• Cam Swan will serve as interim President and CEO of the Water Security Agency
• Max Hendricks has been appointed President and CEO of the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority (SLGA)

Taken together, the appointments suggest a government focused on strengthening delivery across high-priority areas. Portfolios such as finance, health, education, justice, procurement, resource development, and Crown oversight all feature prominently in the changes, pointing to a renewed emphasis on fiscal discipline, service delivery, economic growth, and coordination across the public-sector.

Rather than signalling a dramatic change in policy direction, the changes appear to reflect a government preparing its senior administration for the next phase of implementation, with experienced leaders positioned across files that will be central to Saskatchewan’s economic and social agenda moving forward.