The newly elected Saskatchewan Party government has officially begun its term with a smaller and revamped cabinet. Premier Scott Moe and his team were sworn in on Monday, January 25th, at the Legislative Building in Regina.
The new cabinet consists of 17 members, down from the previous 18, with some familiar faces and some new additions. Moe has retained his position as Premier and Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, while Gord Wyant remains as Deputy Premier and Minister of Education.
One of the notable changes in the cabinet is the addition of a new Ministry of SaskBuilds and Procurement, which will be headed by Everett Hindley. This ministry will focus on infrastructure projects and procurement processes, with the goal of improving efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Another significant change is the merging of the Ministry of Energy and Resources with the Ministry of Environment. This new ministry, called the Ministry of Energy and Resources and Environment, will be led by Bronwyn Eyre. This move has been met with criticism from the opposition, who argue that the environment should have its own dedicated ministry.
The Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure has also been restructured, with the addition of a new Ministry of Rural and Remote Health, led by Warren Kaeding. This ministry will focus on improving healthcare services in rural and remote areas of the province.
In his speech, Premier Moe emphasized the importance of economic recovery and growth in the province, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. He also highlighted the need for collaboration and unity among all members of the government to address the challenges facing Saskatchewan.
The new cabinet has already begun its work, with their first meeting scheduled for Tuesday, January 26th. They will be tasked with addressing various issues, including the pandemic, economic recovery, and the upcoming provincial budget.
As the new government settles into their roles, all eyes will be on them to see how they navigate the challenges ahead and fulfill their promises to the people of Saskatchewan.
