Veteran MLA, Jim Bagnall, was joined by family, friends and colleagues this afternoon as he was sworn in as a Cabinet Minister and Member of Executive Council. He assumed responsibility for the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries & Aquaculture.
The Premier said Bagnall's grassroots sensibility and experience made him an ideal choice for the job.
“Jim's common sense approach to issues, combined with his commitment to rural Prince Edward Island, make him a valuable member of our government team,” said Premier Binns. “He will relate very well to Island farmers and fishers.”
The Montague - Kilmur MLA grew up on a family farm in Central Bedeque and has a long record of achievement in public service and community volunteering. For over twenty years, Bagnall has volunteered with community groups such as minor hockey, baseball, Three Rivers Industrial Commission and Community Welfare League. He has been an active Rotarian for the past 19 years, spent six years as Councillor for the town of Montague, and is a past member of the Board of St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Montague. He was first elected to the Legislative Assembly in 1996.
Before being sworn into the Cabinet, Bagnall served as Government House Leader, Chair of Government Caucus, Chair of the Legislative Review Committee, and Vice-Chairman of the Standing Committee on Public Accounts.
Premier Binns announced that Alberton - Miminegash MLA, Cletus Dunn, has been appointed Government House Leader and Chair of the Government Caucus.