Premier Brian Pallister welcomed two new ministers to Manitoba’s executive council today, following a swearing-in ceremony at the Legislative Building.
Dr. Alan Lagimodiere, MLA for Selkirk, enters cabinet as the first minister of Indigenous reconciliation and northern relations. Lagimodiere, who is Métis and was born and raised in northern Manitoba, has been given a mandate to build on the substantial progress made by developing an agenda for reconciliation in consultation and engagement with First Nation, Métis and Inuit leadership.
Lagimodiere says he is pleased to accept these new and important responsibilities as part of the government, “I look forward to building even stronger relationships with First Nations, Métis, Inuit and northern Manitoba communities as we work toward the shared goals of reconciliation and opportunity for all.”
Meanwhile, Jon Reyes, MLA for Waverley, enters cabinet as minister of economic development and jobs. Reyes, a former small business owner, veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces, and the founder and first president of the Manitoba Filipino Business Council, will help lead efforts to enhance Manitoba’s post-pandemic economic recovery.
The premier congratulated the new ministers and noted their backgrounds make them excellent choices to serve Manitobans in their respective portfolios.
“I am pleased to welcome Alan Lagimodiere and Jon Reyes to our cabinet team,” said Pallister. “Manitobans believe in reconciliation as a path forward for all people, both indigenous and non-indigenous, in our great province and country. As a new minister with a dedicated and specific mandate to advance reconciliation and equality of opportunity, Minister Lagimodiere is well-prepared and ready to deliver on these important goals for all Manitobans at this important time in our history.”
“Advancing Manitoba through renewed economic growth is a top priority as we move toward a post-pandemic environment,” added Pallister. “We are relentlessly focused on creating jobs and opportunity for Manitobans wherever they live and helping businesses to succeed. As a former small business owner and a champion of our province’s diverse economy, Minister Reyes will play a key role in our goal of building a stronger and more prosperous Manitoba.”
In addition to the two new members of executive council, Ralph Eichler, MLA for Lakeside, was sworn in as minister of agriculture and resource development with a mandate to further strengthen growth in these critical sectors of the province’s economy and community life. An immediate priority will be to develop drought relief support for hard-hit farmers and ranchers.
The premier also thanked former ministers Eileen Clarke and Blaine Pedersen for their service to Manitobans as members of cabinet since 2016.
“I have been proud to have both Blaine and Eileen as part of our team from the very beginning,” said Pallister. “Both have served Manitobans exceptionally well as ministers and leave a strong legacy of accomplishments. They have my grateful thanks for stepping up to serve and my best wishes for the new family time they are about to enjoy.”
Ministers whose portfolio responsibilities have not changed are:
– Kelvin Goertzen – deputy premier, minister of legislative and public affairs;
– Heather Stefanson – minister of health and seniors care;
– Cameron Friesen – minister of justice and attorney general;
– Ron Schuler – minister of infrastructure;
– Cliff Cullen – minister of education;
– Scott Fielding – minister of finance;
– Cathy Cox – minister of sport, culture and heritage, minister responsible for status of women;
– Rochelle Squires – minister of families, minister responsible for francophone affairs;
– Jeff Wharton – minister of Crown services;
– Reg Helwer – minister of central services;
– Sarah Guillemard – minister of conservation and climate;
– Derek Johnson – minister of municipal relations;
– Audrey Gordon – minister of mental health, wellness and recovery;
– Wayne Ewasko – minister of advanced education, skills and immigration.
