October 12, 2004
Managing Growth In Manitoba The Task Of New Cabinet: Doer
Managing Growth In Manitoba The Task Of New Cabinet: Doer- - -
New Leadership in Health and Energy; Oswald Promoted to Cabinet
Managing growth throughout the province and building on successes in health care, energy and municipal affairs are the focus of cabinet changes which include the appointment of Theresa Oswald as minister of healthy living.
A former teacher and vice-principal, Oswald is the current chair of the province's task force on Healthy Kids, Healthy Futures. She is the MLA for Seine River and has been serving as the premier's legislative assistant since her election to the legislature in June 2003.
"Theresa Oswald brings new ideas and enthusiasm to the cabinet table. Her experience with children and youth will be an asset in her work as minister of healthy living," Premier Gary Doer said.
Doer said the key challenge of the new cabinet is managing growth in a way that is sustainable and beneficial to Manitobans.
"We have achieved record growth in population and immigration, recorded solid job growth and have been a partner in a number of exciting projects such as the MTS Centre, the downtown Red River College campus and the redevelopment of the major health care centres in Brandon, Gimli and Winnipeg," he said.
"With major projects such as the floodway expansion, the downtown hydro building and the Wuskwatim dam on the way, it is important that we keep our momentum going and manage growth for the benefit of families, businesses and workers in all regions of the province."
The most significant change announced today involves veteran MLA Dave Chomiak who leaves his position as Canada's longest-serving provincial health minister to become minister of energy, science and technology. Tim Sale is the new minister of health.
"Dave Chomiak has the experience and savvy to take the energy portfolio to the next level, which includes some of Manitoba's most challenging new initiatives such as the negotiation of the power sale with Ontario," Doer said.
"After five years of success in rebuilding our health care system – from investing in new facilities and equipment to increasing the number of nurses and doctors – it is time for Dave to tackle new challenges," he added.
"There is no tougher job in Canada than that of a provincial minister of health. And no one has done it better than Dave, who brought an incredible blend of compassion, intelligence, enthusiasm and experience to the position."
Doer said Sale has the skills and experience needed to build upon the government's health care successes including implementing the recent health care accord struck by first ministers.
"Tim Sale brings a tremendous intellect and work ethic to health. As the founder of Healthy Child, Sale also has an understanding of the importance of prevention, which will be helpful as we move to implement the reforms that are part of the recent health care accord," Doer said, thanking Sale for his work as energy minister.
"Tim took the reigns of the new department and turned it into a powerhouse portfolio. He became a leading voice on Kyoto and climate change, and worked tirelessly to advance the merits of clean energy."
Scott Smith is promoted to minister of intergovernmental affairs and trade. Smith, previously the minister of industry, economic development and mines, is a former Brandon city councillor who has also served as a member of Brandon's Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Business Improvement Area and Keystone Centre.
Smith also served as a Manitoba director of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities and as a member of the Association of Manitoba Municipalities—experience that will be beneficial in his new position, Doer said.
"Scott Smith has taken on new tasks for the government on several occasions and has risen to the challenge every time. He is an extremely capable member of the team who brings both a fresh perspective and municipal experience to intergovernmental affairs. I look forward to his leadership as we continue to tackle municipal issues that are important to Manitoba's growth."
The premier thanked Rosann Wowchuk, deputy premier and minister of agriculture, food and rural initiatives for filling in as intergovernmental affairs minister for the past four months.
"Rosann Wowchuk is one of the pillars of our cabinet," Doer said. "She never fails to answer the call for the team and I thank her for her continued and valuable leadership."
Jim Rondeau is the new minister of industry, economic development and mines. Rondeau, a financial planner, has been a partner in a financial planning agency and brings valuable insight into running a small business to his new post, Doer said.
"Jim did a great job starting up the new portfolio of healthy living and we know he will bring the same boundless energy to his new role."
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