‘Bit of a reboot’: new faces on every portfolio for Sask. Party cabinet

Premier Scott Moe handed out 16 new titles Thursday morning as he announced the cabinet for his new government.

For the first time since the Saskatchewan Party took power in 2007, there was a new face on every file. Moe said it was part of the new beginning and new perspective theme for his government.

“It’s time for our government to do a little bit of a reboot, and look at this like we did in 2007, as a new government,” said Moe.

“Yes, we’re going to continue to focus on growth… but in doing so, we need to ensure I think — and with much more focus — ensure that growth is benefiting every family and every person across this province.”

This was the first time Moe had spoken to the media since before election night, and he referenced the provincial election when answering questions. Moe said a majority voted for his party’s plan, but many also voted for change.

“And it is on us, on this cabinet, on us as a governing caucus now, to deliver both on behalf of the people that we represent across Saskatchewan, which is everyone,” said Moe.

Moe said there are things people expect in files like education and health, specifically, where his government needs to deliver. He said there will be more to say on that in the Speech from the Throne which will open the fall sitting.

The new cabinet

On the 17th anniversary of his first being elected, Jim Reiter was tapped to take over as Minister of Finance. He replaces Donna Harpauer who held the file for several years and chose not to run in this past election.

Reiter is also the new deputy premier, Minister of Labour Relations and Workplace Safety, and Minister of Immigration and Career Training.

Terry Jenson takes over the Social Services portfolio, previously held by Gene Makowsky who didn’t win his seat in the election. Jenson was most recently the Minister responsible for SaskBuilds after Joe Hargrave announced in the spring that he wouldn’t be running again.

Everett Hindley and Jeremy Cockrill switched files — Hindley taking over the education file, and Cockrill moving into health.

Moe said the switch was about the new perspective.

“A couple of very hard-working, diligent, competent ministers that I have a lot of faith in in two of the most significant files in government,” he explained.

Tim McLeod moves out of the mental health and addictions file, to become the Minister of Justice and Attorney General, as well as Minister of Corrections and Public Safety. McLeod spent several years practising law before going into politics. He is also the new Government House Leader

Lori Carr becomes the mental health and addictions minister, while also taking over the seniors and rural and remote health files. Carr continues as Deputy House Leader.

Alana Ross takes over as Minister of Parks, Culture and Sport, Minister Responsible for the Status of Women, Tourism Saskatchewan, and the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority.

David Marit moves away from Agriculture, to be Minister of Highways and Minister of SaskBuilds and Procurement. That’s while Darryl Harrison moves into Agriculture.

Travis Keisig becomes Minister of Environment, Ken Cheveldayoff moves into Minister of Advanced Education, and Colleen Young takes over Energy and Resources.

Jeremy Harrison stays in the cabinet despite allegations of bullying and harassment in the spring and admitting to having brought a gun into the legislative building. He is the new Minister of Crown Investments Corporation and all of the Crown Corps., he is also the new Minister responsible for the Public Service Commission.

Warren Kaeding moves over to the Trade and Export Development file, while brand new MLA and former reeve, Eric Schmalz takes over as Minister of Government Relations, Minister responsible for First Nations, Métis and Northern Affairs.