This morning Premier Pallister announced minor changes to his cabinet. Last Friday Manitoba’s Minister of Indigenous Relations Eileen Clarke resigned leading to today’s shuffle. Ms. Clarke stepped down after Premier Pallister’s comments about the toppling of statues on the Legislature’s grounds. She will remain an MLA as well as stay in the Progressive Conservative Caucus. Prior to the shuffle Eileen Clarke posted a message on her Facebook page saying “I made the decision to step down from Cabinet where I felt my voice and others are not being heard.”
With today’s shuffle, Premier Pallister welcomed two new Minister’s to the Cabinet table, and moved one Minister to a new portfolio.
- Dr. Alan Lagimodiere, MLA for Selkirk, was sworn in as the Minister of Indigenous Reconciliation and Northern Relations. Prior to entering politics Minister Lagimodiere
was a veterinarian, he is also Metis and was born and raised in Northern Manitoba. First elected in 2016, Minister Lagimodiere will have the mandate to consult and engage with First Nations, Metis and Inuit leadership and communities on a path toward reconciliation. - Jon Reyes, MLA for Waverley, has been sworn in as Minister of Economic Development and Jobs. Minister Reyes is a former small business owner, Canadian Armed Forces veteran and the founder of the Manitoba Filipino Business Council. Also first elected in 2016, Minister Reyes will be given the mandate to lead the efforts of Manitoba’s post-pandemic economic recovery.
- Ralph Eichler, MLA for Lakeside, was shuffled and was sworn in today as the Minister of Agriculture and Resource Development from the Ministry of Economic Development. First elected in 2003, Minister Eichler previously served as ag minister from 2016-2019. He was given the mandate to further strengthen growth in those two critical sectors.
Blaine Pedersen is leaving cabinet as he announced that he will not be seeking re-election. For the remainder of this term he will continue to serve as the MLA for Midland.
Yesterday, the Pallister government also announced that Manitoba would be moving forward with the next stage of their reopening plan. On July 17th, the province will allow expanded indoor and outdoor activities with most facilities being able to open up to 50% capacity.
Related Links
- News Release – Cabinet Shuffle
- News Release – Reopening Plan
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