New Cabinet, New Energy for Manitoba

Premier Selinger appoints new MLAs Chief, Kostyshyn
The creation of a new children and youth opportunities department under the leadership of newly elected Point Douglas MLA Kevin Chief will give young Manitobans the best start in life, Selinger said.

“Kevin’s community leadership and experience working with youth has been an inspiration to young Manitobans,” Selinger said. “Kevin has the gift of seeing the potential in our youth, and in his new role, he is responsible for providing young Manitobans with the kinds of opportunities they need to reach their goals and keep them on track.”

Selinger also appointed Ron Kostyshyn, minister of agriculture, food and rural initiatives. For the past 26 years, Ron has worked on the family farm consisting of a 200 cow/calf operation with over 2,500 acres.

“Ron knows that a strong rural economy is key to Manitoba’s success,” said Premier Selinger. “He is ready to work hard for Manitoba farmers, and continue to ensure a strong NDP government that values the importance of agriculture, which helps to drive our economy and puts food on the table for families around the world.”

The premier announced that the conservation and water stewardship departments will merge and he thanked several veteran ministers for their contributions and assigned them key new responsibilities.

The veteran MLAs with new responsibilities are:

• Jennifer Howard, minister of family services and labour;
• Gord Mackintosh, minister of conservation and water stewardship;
• Christine Melnick, minister of immigration and multiculturalism; and
• Jim Rondeau, minister of healthy living, seniors and consumer affairs.

“Manitoba is on a roll. This change will help keep us on the right track and moving forward,” Selinger said.