Premier R.J. Simpson has decided to shuffle his cabinet with the announcement of who's doing what now being made on Monday morning.
The big ones include Environment and Climate Change Minister Jay Macdonald being given the Justice portfolio and and being named the new government house leader. Those were two roles Simpson previously held.
Municipal and Community Affairs Minister Vince McKay is now the Minister of Infrastructure, a role previously held by Finance Minister Caroline Wawzonek. She will retain the Finance portfolio along with assuming a new role known as the Minister Responsible for Strategic Infrastructure, Energy and Supply Chains. That role falls under the Department of Infrastructure.
"This role will provide focused political leadership for major, nation-building projects such as the Mackenzie Valley Highway, Slave Geological Province Corridor, and Taltson Hydroelectric Expansion," a news release from the GNWT explained. "These initiatives are critical to advancing economic growth, energy security, climate resilience, and Arctic sovereignty."
Wawzonek is still the Deputy Premier and Minister Responsible for the NWT Power Corporation.
Housing NWT Minister Lucy Kuptana is now responsible for the NWT Homelessness Strategy while maintaining her role as Minister Responsible for the Status of Women.
"This change is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen coordination and support around homelessness and housing needs," the release explained further.
Both Education, Culture and Employment Minister Caitlin Cleveland and Health and Social Services Minister Lesa Semmler were the only ones to not have any change to their current roles.
All of the cabinet changes are effective immediately, noted the release.
There are some bureaucratic changes as well as Gaeleen MacPherson will become the associate deputy minister for Strategic Infrastructure, Energy and Supply Chains as of Tuesday, while Cathy Maniego will be appointed deputy minister of Infrastructure. She replaces Steve Loutitt, who is retiring after 35 years with the GNWT.
