Four new faces are joining the ten member Provincial Cabinet, and most Ministers will take on new responsibilities. The Cabinet was sworn in today at a ceremony at Government House.
Joining the Cabinet are:
Hon. Jamie Ballem as Minister of Health and Social Services;
Hon. Greg Deighan as Minister of Tourism;
Hon. Jeff Lantz as Attorney General and Minister of Education; and
Hon. Gail Shea as Minister of Community and Cultural Affairs.
Other appointments are:
Hon. Pat Binns, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs;
Hon. Pat Mella, Provincial Treasurer;
Hon. Mike Currie, Minister of Development and Technology;
Hon. Kevin MacAdam, Minister of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Environment;
Hon. Mitch Murphy, Minister of Agriculture and Forestry; and
Hon. Don MacKinnon, Minister of Transportation and Public Works.
Premier Binns says, "We had a very strong Caucus prior to the election, and on April 17th another eight excellent members were added. It is always a challenge to assign Cabinet responsibilities and the more members and experience to choose from, the greater the challenge."
The Premier praised the four members retiring from Cabinet. "Each made a tremendous contribution, not only to the departments they led but to the overall performance of the government, and they will continue to do so. We have always placed emphasis on Caucus involvement in decision making, and that will not change."
Premier Binns says he also took the opportunity to realign some portfolios. "I wanted to reflect the importance of the tourism industry by establishing a separate department, and the combining of Development and Technology will ensure better coordination of efforts to foster new employment opportunities."
The Cabinet held a brief meeting following the swearing in ceremony and then Ministers were introduced to departmental staff.