The Honourable Pat Binns, Premier of Prince Edward Island today announced changes to the ministry which include:
- the appointment of the province's first female Minister of Transportation and Public Works;
- a dedicated Department of Fisheries & Aquaculture;
- new responsibilities for four existing ministers; and
- the introduction of a new member to the cabinet.
The number of members of the cabinet will remain at ten.
"I believe these changes will ensure that we continue to deliver on the agenda that we have developed in partnership with Islanders," said the Premier. "With the support of our caucus and the continued input of Islanders, this new structure will allow us to build on our past accomplishments while looking forward to new opportunities for Prince Edward Island."
A swearing-in ceremony held at Government House early this afternoon confirmed the following changes:
Honourable Gail Shea has been appointed Prince Edward Island's first female Minister of Transportation and Public Works.
Shea takes over from Don MacKinnon who will continue to serve as MLA for Winsloe-West Royalty. Binns thanked MacKinnon for his dedicated and loyal service on behalf of Islanders.
The Premier has invited Elmer MacFadyen, MLA for Sherwood-Hillsborough and Government House Leader since 1996 to join the cabinet as Minister of Community and Cultural Affairs.
Honourable Jeffrey Lantz has been appointed Minister of Tourism. Lantz will continue to serve as the Attorney General.
Honourable Greg Deighan has been appointed Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture. The Premier indicated that the importance of this sector to the provincial economy and its significant future potential requires the focus of a full-time minister.
Honourable Chester Gillan will serve as Minister of Education. Gillan will also maintain responsibility for Environment.
Four ministers will retain their present assignments: Honourable Pat Mella, Provincial Treasurer; Honourable Michael Currie, Minister of Development & Technology; Honourable Mitch Murphy, Minister of Agriculture & Forestry; Honourable Jamie Ballem, Minister of Health & Social Services.
Jim Bagnall, MLA for Montague-Kilmur, will become Government House Leader and Chair of the Government Caucus.
Additionally, the Premier revised the membership of the four committees of cabinet:
Agenda & Priorities Committee – Chair: Honourable Pat Binns; Members: Honourable Pat Mella, Honourable Michael Currie, Honourable Mitch Murphy, Jim Bagnall MLA, Philip Brown MLA, Cletus Dunn MLA.
Treasury Board – Chair: Honourable Pat Mella; Members: Honourable Michael Currie, Honourable Mitch Murphy, Honourable Gail Shea, Wes MacAleer MLA, Wilfred Arsenault MLA.
Legislative Review Committee – Chair: Jim Bagnall, MLA; Members: Honourable Jeffrey Lantz, Honourable Jamie Ballem, Don MacKinnon MLA, Eric Hamill MLA, Eva Rodgerson MLA.
Strategic Planning Committee on Economic Policy – Chair: Philip Brown, MLA; Honourable Elmer MacFadyen, Norman MacPhee MLA, Andy Mooney MLA, Helen MacDonald MLA.
Strategic Planning Committee on Community & Social Policy – Chair: Cletus Dunn, MLA; Members: Honourable Greg Deighan, Honourable Chester Gillan, Kevin MacAdam MLA, Beth MacKenzie MLA, Bobby MacMillan MLA.
The Premier also advised that Leo Walsh has returned as Deputy Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs from his secondment as Secretary to the Council of Atlantic Premiers. Jeanette MacAulay, who had handled Intergovernmental Affairs since Walsh's secondment in 2000, has been seconded to Holland College as Vice-President.