Saskatchewan agriculture minister Mark Wartman was one of few ministers to retain their portfolios following a significant cabinet shuffle announced by Saskatchewan premier Lorne Calvert.
Wartman took on the portfolio almost two years ago, taking over from Clay Serby of Yorkton.
Serby’s duties as minister of rural development were expanded and his department renamed.
It is now known as regional economic and co-operative development and will include the two large regional economic development authorities in Saskatoon and Regina in addition to the rural REDAs.
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Serby said rural development and growth will continue to be an important part of the department’s mandate. The Action Committee on the Rural Economy will continue to report to him as a grassroots policy committee.
“We want to build on what SARM (Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities) is doing….,” Serby said, as well as work being done at the University of Saskatchewan on regional economic growth.
He said the upcoming provincial budget will allocate more money for the REDAs and he wants them to drive projects and the development of business and industrial clusters.
Serby also said he wants to highlight the expanding role of co-operatives as rural areas work to strengthen their economies.
Added duties
Calvert announced a new department of advanced education and employment, and named Pat Atkinson as minister. She will also be responsible for immigration and the public service commission.
Len Taylor is the new health minister, taking over from John Nilson, who moved to environment, energy conservation and SaskPower.
Andrew Thomson moved from learning to finance. Former finance minister Harry Van Mulligen is now the minister of government relations. Thomson is also minister responsible for information technology and SaskEnergy.
Deb Higgins was moved from labour to become learning minister, and the minister responsible for literacy, Liquor and Gaming Authority and SaskTel.
David Forbes moved from environment to labour and minister responsible for SaskWater.
Cabinet also includes:
- Eldon Lautermilch – highways and transportation, property management, Saskatchewan Transportation Company and forestry secretariat.
- Eric Cline – industry and resources, Investment Saskatchewan and Information Services Corp.
- Maynard Sonntag – First Nations and Metis relations, and Crown Investment Corp.
- Buckley Belanger – community resources and disability issues.
- Glenn Hagel Ð culture, youth and recreation, provincial secretary, gaming, Saskatchewan Government Insurance and government house leader.
- Joan BeattyÐ northern affairs and status of women.
- Frank Quennell Ð justice and attorney general.
- Graham Addley Ð healthy living services and seniors.
- Kevin Yates Ð corrections and public safety.
Two former ministers announced Jan. 27 they would not run in the next election – Joanne Crofford and Peter Prebble.
