Saskatchewan farmers will continue to aim their beefs and bouquets at Clay Serby.
Premier Lorne Calvert has ann-ounced that Serby will stay on as the province’s agriculture minister and deputy premier.
Calvert also announced that longtime Regina MLA Harry Van Mulligen, who previously served briefly as social services minister, will be finance minister.
“I see in Harry a man with great strength,” Calvert told reporters.
And he will need that to prepare a budget by spring. Many expect that budget will be tough, because the government is running a deficit.
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Opposition MLA Dan D’Autremont said “this year’s budget deficit will likely top $500 million. Saskatchewan people have a right to know which programs the NDP plans to cut.”
Also returning to cabinet is Sask-atoon MLA Pat Atkinson, who takes on the Crown Management Board, immigration and the Public Service Commission.
Three newly elected MLAs have gone straight into cabinet: Frank Quennell becomes justice minister and attorney general; Joan Beatty looks after culture, youth and recreation; and Len Taylor assumes government relations.
Taylor is also charged with co-ordinating the government’s response to the commission on financing Kindergarten to Grade 12 education.
David Forbes becomes environment minister, Andrew Thomson moves to learning and Peter Prebble takes on corrections and public safety as well as responsibility for Sask Water.
Joanne Crofford moved to community resources and employment, Maynard Sonntag is minister of aboriginal affairs and Buckley Belanger is minister of northern affairs.
Retaining their portfolios are: Eric Cline, industry and resources; Deb Higgins, labour; John Nilson, health; and Mark Wartman, highways.
Meanwhile, Saskatchewan Party leader Elwin Hermanson announced he will resign effective Feb. 27. A leadership vote will likely be held next fall.
