Balancing Experience and Renewal: Inside Saskatchewan’s New Cabinet

December 11, 2025

Today, Premier Scott Moe restructured his cabinet, the first shuffle since the provincial election in the fall of 2024.

As the new cabinet was sworn in by Lieutenant Governor Bernadette McIntyre, Premier Moe stated: “Nearly half of our government caucus was first elected in 2024, but I didn’t want to bring too many brand new members into cabinet right after the election. Those members now have more than a year of experience as MLAs and with today’s changes, one-third of cabinet will be new members. That will give our government a strong balance of experience and fresh perspectives.”

Five first-time ministers have been added to cabinet, all elected in 2024:

• Mike Weger, Minister of Community Safety (formerly Corrections, Policing and Public Safety), also Minister responsible for Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency
• Chris Beaudry, Minister of Energy and Resources
• Darlene Rowden, Minister of Environment
• Kim Gartner, Minister of Highways
• Sean Wilson, Minister of SaskBuilds and Procurement

Four ministers shifted to new roles:

• David Marit becomes both Minister of Agriculture and Minister responsible for Saskatchewan Crop Insurance
• Ken Cheveldayoff remains Minister of Advanced Education but adds responsibility as Minister of Labour Relations and Workplace Safety
• Eric Schmalz takes on a role as Minister of Immigration and Career Training, while retaining responsibilities as Minister of Government Relations and Minister responsible for First Nations, Métis, and Northern Affairs
• Warren Kaeding becomes Minister responsible for Liquor and Gaming, while continuing as Minister of Trade and Export Development

Eight ministers retained their existing portfolios:

• Jim Reiter, Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance
• Tim McLeod, Minister of Justice and Government House Leader
• Jeremy Cockrill, Minister of Health
• Lori Carr, Minister of Mental Health & Addictions, Seniors, and Rural & Remote Health; Deputy House Leader
• Everett Hindley, Minister of Education
• Jeremy Harrison, Minister responsible for Crown Investments Corporation; Minister responsible for the Public Service Commission; Minister responsible for Lotteries and Gaming Corporation
• Terry Jenson, Minister of Social Services
• Alana Ross, Minister of Parks, Culture & Sport; Tourism Saskatchewan and Status of Women

There were also several departures from cabinet. Travis Keisig, Daryl Harrison, and Colleen Young exited cabinet and will now chair legislative committees. Premier Moe expressed gratitude and emphasized their continued importance to the government.

In addition, eight Legislative Secretaries were appointed with roles ranging from agriculture to health, with some focused on international relations:

• James Thorsteinson, Legislative Secretary to the Minister of Agriculture
• Travis Keisig, Legislative Secretary to the Minister responsible for Crown Investments Corporation
• Blaine McLeod, Legislative Secretary to the Minister of Community Safety
• Barret Kropf, Legislative Secretary to the Minister of Education
• Kevin Weedmark, Legislative Secretary to the Minister of Health
• Megan Patterson, Legislative Secretary to the Minister of Social Services
• Brad Crassweller, Legislative Secretary to the Minister of Parks, Culture and Sport and responsible for Saskatchewan-India Relations
• Jamie Martens, Legislative Secretary to the Minister of Trade and Export Development and responsible for Saskatchewan-Ukraine relations.

Signal of More Change?

It is important to note, Cabinet changes often trigger adjustments within the public service. Deputy Ministers (DMs) and Assistant Deputy Ministers (ADMs) are key to implementing policy and managing departmental operations. If Premier Moe’s cabinet shuffle signals a shift in priorities, such as stronger emphasis on energy, infrastructure, and public safety, expect corresponding changes in senior bureaucratic leadership before the next legislative session. This would ensure ministry leadership is aligned with the new ministers’ mandates and ensure continuity in execution.

Regional Representation Matters

The inclusion of Ministers Beaudry (Energy and Resources), Wilson (SaskBuilds & Procurement), and Rowden (Environment) brings stronger representation at the cabinet table for the eastern side of Saskatchewan. This is significant because eastern constituencies often feel overshadowed by urban centers and resource-heavy western regions. Their presence in Cabinet could influence decisions on infrastructure investment, environmental regulation, and procurement strategies, not to mention potentially shifting more provincial resources toward rural and eastern communities.