CALVERT DOWNSIZES CABINET

Released on March 26, 2002

Premier Lorne Calvert introduced a leaner cabinet this morning as his

government responds to a challenging revenue situation that all provinces

are facing.



"This is one of the smallest Saskatchewan cabinets since 1974, and the

smallest cabinet west of Atlantic Canada," Calvert said. "I can not ask of

others what I will not do myself. Earlier today, I announced a major

reorganization of the public service. Now, I will move forward with a

cabinet of 16 women and men to continue to make Saskatchewan a province of

opportunity."



The new cabinet is comprised of:



Hon. Jim Melenchuk, MLA for Saskatoon Northwest, Minister of

Learning;



Hon. Eldon Lautermilch, MLA for Prince Albert Northcote, Minister

of Industry and Resources, Government House Leader;



Hon. Andrew Thomson, MLA for Regina South, Minister of Corrections

and Public Safety, Minister Responsible for Saskatchewan Property

Management Corporation (SPMC), Minister Responsible for Information

Technology;



Hon. Ron Osika, MLA for Melville, Minister of Government Relations,

Minister Responsible for the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming

Authority;



Hon. Clay Serby, MLA for Yorkton, Deputy Premier, Minister of

Agriculture, Food and Rural Revitalization;



Hon. Eric Cline, MLA for Saskatoon Mount Royal, Minister of Finance;



Hon. John Nilson, Q.C., MLA for Regina Lakeview, Minister of

Health, Minister Responsible for Seniors;



Hon. Chris Axworthy, Q.C., MLA for Saskatoon Fairview, Minister of

Justice and Attorney General, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs;





Hon. Maynard Sonntag, MLA for Meadow Lake, Minister Responsible for

Crown Investments Corporation (CIC);



Hon. Glenn Hagel, MLA for Moose Jaw North, Minister of Social

Services, Minister Responsible for Disability Issues, Minister

responsible for Gaming, Deputy House Leader;



Hon. Buckley Belanger, MLA for Athabasca, Minister of Northern

Affairs, Minister Responsible for SaskWater;



Hon. Mark Wartman, MLA for Regina Qu'Appelle Valley, Minister of

Highways and Transportation;



Hon. Deb Higgins, MLA for Moose Jaw Wakamow, Minister of Labour,

Minister Responsible for the Status of Women;



Hon. Joanne Crofford, MLA for Regina Centre, Minister of Culture,

Youth and Recreation, Provincial Secretary; and



Hon. Pat Lorjé, MLA for Saskatoon Southeast, Minister of

Environment.



"Tomorrow, our government will release its budget. I believe the people

will say government has shown leadership to live within its means. We have

shown that leadership today by announcing a more streamlined, focused

public service and a leaner provincial cabinet," Premier Calvert said.



"The people of Saskatchewan expect their politicians to make tough choices,

but not forsake the priorities of growing the economy and the priorities of

the citizens who elect those politicians. I feel the people of this

province will echo this sentiment tomorrow, and will agree we made those

tough, responsible choices today."



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For more information, contact:



James Millar

Director, Media Services

Regina

Phone: (306) 787-6349