Islanders were introduced to the new Provincial Cabinet this morning during a swearing-in ceremony at Government House. Three new members were welcomed into the new Cabinet while most existing Ministers were given new responsibilities.
Ministers invited to join Cabinet or given new responsibilities include:
- Honourable Jamie Ballem, Minister of Environment and Energy and Attorney General
- Honourable Philip Brown, Minister of Tourism
- Honourable Mildred Dover, Minister of Education
- Honourable Chester Gillan, Minister of Health and Social Services and Minister Responsible for Seniors
- Honourable Kevin MacAdam, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Aquaculture and Forestry
- Honourable Mitchell Murphy, Provincial Treasurer and Minister Responsible for the Racing Commission
Ministers retaining responsibilities include:
- Honourable Pat Binns, Premier, President of the Executive Council and Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs
- Honourable Michael Currie, Minister of Development and Technology
- Honourable Elmer MacFadyen, Minister of Community and Cultural Affairs and Minister Responsible for Acadian and Francophone Affairs
- Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Transportation and Public Works and Minister Responsible for the Status of Women
The Premier indicated that this Cabinet will be the team charged with implementing the plan to keep building a strong Prince Edward Island.
"Islanders endorsed our positive plan for the future, and I think we have assembled a team which represents a combination of experience and new ideas to action that plan," said Binns.
The Premier also took the opportunity to realign some of the ministries. The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries, Aquaculture and Forestry and the Department of Environment and Energy were newly cast to reflect some of the common opportunities which exist in those sectors. The Departments of Education and Tourism were each assigned dedicated Ministers.
Premier Binns praised Greg Deighan, who is retiring from the Cabinet, as a strong and effective member of the Cabinet and advocate for the Summerside area and thanked him for his dedicated service in the Ministry.
Mildred Dover was not present at the swearing-in ceremony as she was representing Canada at the 49th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference. She will be sworn-in upon her return to the province next week.