Released on November 21, 2003
Premier Lorne Calvert today announced the first Cabinet of his new government."This team combines new energy with proven experience, and will enable us to lead Saskatchewan into a new decade of progress to make life even better for Saskatchewan families," Calvert said.
"This Cabinet is ready to face the challenges that lie ahead and make the changes that Saskatchewan people asked for in the recent provincial election. We will focus on opportunities for youth, economic and population growth, better access to public health care, environmental stewardship, sound fiscal management, and providing the lowest cost basket of basic utilities in Canada."
Three newly elected MLAs will assume Cabinet portfolios:
Frank Quennell becomes Minister of Justice and Attorney General, with priorities that include crime prevention and implementing the recommendations of the Aboriginal Justice Commission. He will also become Minister Responsible for SaskPower.
Len Taylor assumes the portfolio of Government Relations, which will continue to be responsible for maintaining relationships with urban and rural municipalities, other provinces and the federal government. Together with Learning and Finance, he will co-ordinate government's response to the Boughen Commission on Financing K-12 Education.
Joan Beatty will be the Minister of Culture, Youth and Recreation as well as the Provincial Secretary. One of Beatty's priorities will be to provide leadership in increasing the involvement of youth in government and public policy.
David Forbes becomes Minister of Environment and Minister Responsible for the Office of Energy Conservation. In addition to overseeing the stewardship of the province's natural environment, Forbes will bring leadership to Saskatchewan's "green agenda" by co-ordinating efforts across government to build programs of energy conservation and green economic opportunities.
Andrew Thomson takes on the role of Minister of Learning. He will undertake one of the major policy areas of the new government in the establishment and implementation of Career Start. The goal of this program is to make Saskatchewan the first choice for young people in their education and career development. Thomson will work with education partners in building the foundations for life-long learning and in the implementation of School PLUS in the preschool and K-12 education system. Thomson also retains responsibility for Information Technology.
Pat Atkinson rejoins Cabinet as Minister of Crown Management Board, Minister Responsible for Immigration and Minister of the Public Service Commission. She will provide leadership to the province's public utility crowns, with a focus on providing Saskatchewan families with the lowest cost package of basic utilities in Canada. Atkinson will also serve as Deputy Government House Leader.
Harry Van Mulligen will undertake the careful fiscal management of the public purse, as Minister of Finance. He will be responsible for the transition to summary financial budgeting and will embark on wide consultations in preparation of the Provincial Budget. Van Mulligen also becomes Minister Responsible for SaskEnergy, and will serve as Government House Leader.
Peter Prebble becomes Minister Responsible for Saskatchewan Water Corporation, with the responsibility for working with communities on a long-term plan for safe drinking water and the water resources needed in economic and agricultural development. As Minister of Corrections and Public Safety, Prebble will work with Justice to seek strategies to address crime and security in communities as well as effective corrections measures.
Eric Cline will work with the province's diverse industries and businesses to provide leadership for the economic progress of Saskatchewan, as Minister of Industry and Resources. He will also become the Minister Responsible for Investment Saskatchewan. As well, Cline will be the chair of the Liquor and Gaming Authority.
Clay Serby remains Deputy Premier and Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Revitalization. His focus will include negotiations surrounding the Agriculture Policy Framework, a greater focus on rural revitalization and establishment of the Bridging Generations program.
Joanne Crofford assumes the role of Minister of Community Resources and Employment, where she will undertake the next phase of the Building Independence program and further implementation of the Disabilities Action Plan, as well as a strategy to improve housing for Saskatchewan families. She will also be Minister Responsible for the Gaming Corporation.
Maynard Sonntag takes on the role of Minister of Aboriginal Affairs, providing leadership in the relationship between the province and the First Nations and Metis peoples of Saskatchewan, with a focus on aboriginal economic development, aboriginal youth and building bridges of respect between aboriginal and non-aboriginal communities. He also retains responsibility for SaskTel.
Deb Higgins stays on as Minister of Labour, providing leadership for Saskatchewan working people. She retains her role as Minister for the Status of Women and gains responsibility for Saskatchewan Property Management Corporation.
John Nilson remains Minister of Health, with a focus on reducing waiting lists and working with the Minister of Learning to address the need for more trained health care providers. Nilson will play an important role on the national stage as we work to establish the National Quality Health Council and negotiate for increased federal funding for health care.
Buckley Belanger becomes the Minister of Northern Affairs, working with a range of government departments to co-ordinate and focus the work of the province in co-operation with northern communities and leaders.
Mark Wartman, as Minister of Highways and Transportation, will continue the major investment in the province's highway system and transportation infrastructure and planning. Wartman also assumes responsibility for Saskatchewan Government Insurance and Saskatchewan Transportation Company.
Calvert also announced the appointment of Glenn Hagel as Legislative Secretary to the Premier, with responsibility for co-ordinating Saskatchewan's Centennial Celebrations in 2005.
"I am confident this strong team of men and women have the energy and experience to build a prosperous future for Saskatchewan," Calvert said.
-30-
For More Information, Contact:
| Carey Robertson Media Services Regina Phone: (306)787-5780 Cell: (306)539-1902 |