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Premier Announces Cabinet Reset, Government Focused on Basics

Changes to the provincial cabinet will focus on building a strong economy and on creating good jobs and opportunities for families, Premier Greg Selinger announced today

“Despite uncertainty in the global economy, Manitoba has kept building and made so much progress.  Unemployment is low, our economy is growing faster than the national average and we’ve built assets that are the envy of others,” said the premier.  “I’ve brought together a team of experienced hands and new ministers who will keep Manitoba strong and moving forward by focusing on the basics.”

The premier said the new cabinet will bring a renewed focused to:

• creating good jobs and a strong economy,
• building and renewing the province’s infrastructure, and
• keeping Manitoba affordable and protecting consumers.

The premier announced the creation of the new Department of Jobs and the Economy, led by outgoing minister of health Theresa Oswald. 

Several new faces added to cabinet in today’s shuffle are:

• James Allum, minister of education and advanced learning;
• Erna Braun, minister of labour and immigration; and
• Sharon Blady, minister of healthy living and seniors.

The premier announced he will also be responsible for the provincial government’s skills strategy to help add 75,000 new workers to Manitoba’s economy by 2020.

“Across Manitoba, families, businesses and labour know that to keep our businesses growing and creating good jobs, we need to meet the shortage of skilled labour,” said the premier.  “A new skills strategy will help get Manitobans the training they need to build a better life for their families.”

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