NEW CABINET BALANCES EXPERIENCE WITH NEW FACES

Premier Scott Moe made changes to his cabinet today, to ensure that Saskatchewan remains strong, safe and secure. 

Five MLAs are entering cabinet for the first time. All five were first elected in 2024.

"Nearly half of our government caucus was first elected in 2024, but I didn't want to bring too many brand new members into cabinet right after the election," Premier Scott Moe said. 

"Those members now have more than a year of experience as MLAs and with today's changes, one-third of cabinet will be new members. That will give our government a strong balance of experience and fresh perspectives."

Entering Cabinet for the first time are: 

• Mike Weger, Minister of Community Safety (previously called Corrections, Policing and Public Safety) and Minister responsible for Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency;
• Chris Beaudry, Minister of Energy and Resources;
• Darlene Rowden, Minister of Environment;
• Kim Gartner, Minister of Highways; and
• Sean Wilson, Minister of SaskBuilds & Procurement. 

Eight ministers remain in their current portfolios:

• Jim Reiter, Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance;
• Tim McLeod, Minister of Justice and Government House Leader;
• Jeremy Cockrill, Minister of Health;
• Lori Carr, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, Seniors and Rural and Remote Health and Government Deputy House Leader;
• Everett Hindley, Minister of Education;
• Jeremy Harrison, Minister responsible for Crown Investment Corporation, Minister responsible for the Public Service Commission, and Minister responsible for Lotteries and Gaming Saskatchewan Corporation;
• Terry Jenson, Minister of Social Services; and 
• Alana Ross, Minister of Parks, Culture and Sport, Tourism Saskatchewan and Status of Women.

Four ministers remain in Cabinet but take on different responsibilities: 

• David Marit becomes Minister of Agriculture and Minister responsible for Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation;
• Ken Cheveldayoff remains Minister of Advanced Education and becomes Minister of Labour Relations and Workplace Safety;
• Eric Schmalz remains Minister of Government Relations and Minister responsible for First Nations, Métis and Northern Affairs and becomes Minister of Immigration and Career Training; and 
• Warren Kaeding, remains Minister of Trade and Export Development and becomes Minister responsible for the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority.

The new cabinet was sworn in today by Lieutenant Governor Bernadette McIntyre.

Travis Keisig, Daryl Harrison and Colleen Young are leaving cabinet.  All three are expected to serve as chairs of legislative committee. Premier Moe thanked them and said they will all continue to play vital roles within government.

Premier Moe also named eight Legislative Secretaries: 

• James Thorsteinson, Legislative Secretary to the Minister of Agriculture;
• Travis Keisig, Legislative Secretary to the Minister responsible for Crown Investments Corporation;
• Blaine McLeod, Legislative Secretary to the Minster of Community Safety;
• Barret Kropf, Legislative Secretary to the Minister of Education; 
• Kevin Weedmark, Legislative Secretary to the Minister of Health; 
• Megan Patterson, Legislative Secretary to the Minister of Social Services;
• Brad Crassweller, Legislative Secretary to the Minister of Parks, Culture and Sport and responsible for Saskatchewan-India Relations; and 
• Jamie Martens, Legislative Secretary to the Minister of Trade and Export Development and responsible for Saskatchewan-Ukraine relations.

Legislative Secretaries will receive $3,000 in annual remuneration for their additional responsibilities, below the full remuneration amount designated for Legislative Secretaries.

Jamie Martens will also continue to serve as Provincial Secretary while Blaine McLeod continues to serve as Military Liaison.  Brad Crassweller becomes the Government Whip and Kevin Weedmark remains Deputy Whip.

 

Congratulations to all those appointed to servce in Cabinet. I extend a big thank you to Travis Keisig, Colleen Young, and Daryl Harrison for their passion and outstanding work in their respective roles.  I offer my warm congratulation to those continuing in Cabinet,  along with the newly appointed members. I’m confident that together we will continue working for the betterment of all in this great province.

I am humbled to continue serving as Minister of Advanced Education and collaborating closely with leaders in Advanced Education.

Added to my responsibilities, I am honoured to be named of Minister of Labour and Workplace Safety.

As Minister of Labour and Workplace Safety, my goals include ensuring safe, healthy, fair, and productive workplaces by continuing to develop effective labour laws, promoting strong labour-management relations, and upholding employment standards that benefit workers, employers, and the broader economy. This collaboration and effort will support the objectives outlined in the Saskatchewan Government Growth Plan.

It is important to build on the strong foundation and good work done by my colleague, the Honourable Jim Reiter, as well as by previous Ministers of Labour. I look forward to establishing a close working relationship with the labour leaders of our province.

YOUR LEGISLATIVE REPORT

As outlined in my previous newsletter, the Fall Sitting of the Second Session of the Thirtieth Legislature is now complete. Over the past several weeks, our government introduced and passed new measures focused on keeping Saskatchewan’s economy strong, our communities safe, and our future secure. 

Progress continued as commitments made in the Throne Speech moved forward through several new pieces of legislation. One of these is the Saskatchewan Internal Trade Promotion Act, which aims to reduce trade barriers between provinces and help support freer trade across Canada. Another major step was the Response to Illicit Drugs Act, designed to protect families and communities from illegal drugs and to hold those who profit from them accountable. 

Work also advanced on laws that support vulnerable people and families. The Compassionate Intervention Act will require individuals whose addictions put themselves or others at risk to receive the care they need. Updates were made to the Interjurisdictional Support Orders Act to ensure child support orders continue to be enforced, even when a parent moves to another province. Changes to the Change of Name Act will prevent individuals convicted of serious crimes from changing their names. 

Further legislative changes focused on public safety, school growth, and animal welfare. Amendments to the Saskatchewan Firearms Act will protect gun owners from financial liability caused by federal firearm bans. The Building Schools Faster Actrequires municipalities to secure enough land so new schools can be built quickly. Updates to the Animal Protection Act will strengthen animal welfare by creating a new animal welfare inspector position and setting a code of conduct for animal protection officers. 

We continue to acknowledge the diversity and recognize the enriching contributions made by many cultural groups in our province. The “From Many Peoples, Strength” Act will allow for permanent recognition of special days, weeks and monthsthat celebrate them. With next year’s football schedule now released, it’s timely that the Tailgating Act will allow tailgating events at Mosaic Stadium before Roughrider games, adding even more excitement to a uniquely Saskatchewan experience.

Several commitments from Throne Speech have already become law. Five bills have received royal assent: Bill No. 25 – TheIncome Tax (Miscellaneous) Amendment Act, 2025; Bill No. 26 – The Miscellaneous Statutes Repeal Act, 2025; Bill No. 27 – The Statute Law Amendment Act, 2025; Bill No. 28 – The Public Libraries Amendment Act, 2025; and Bill No. 34 – The Cyberstalking and Coercive Control Act.

Important steps were also taken outside of legislation. A five-year extension of the Canada-Saskatchewan Early Learning and Child Care Agreement will keep child care affordable, provide stability for providers, support every child’s learning and help families plan for a strong future. Building on our commitment to education, we continue to recognize the transformative role post-secondary institutions play in shaping Saskatchewan’s future. A new multi-year funding agreement has been signed to support quality education and help keep tuition manageable for students. Another critical part of building a strong future for Saskatchewan is our commitment to nuclear energy. Through the recently released Saskatchewan First Energy Security Strategy and Supply Plan, we are working to ensure our province’s energy remains reliable and affordable for years to come.

Global trade challenges were another key theme this session. Saskatchewan continues to face tariffs and shifting trade relationships with India, China and the United States. Premier Moe met with officials from all three countries including during a mission to Washington, D.C. and in discussions with India’s Minister of External Affairs. I am proud to have a Premier who continues to defend Saskatchewan’s interests, expand export opportunities and help our industries compete successfully in markets across the world. We will keep working with the federal government to remove tariffs while expanding export markets in more than 160 countries.

In the coming months, I look forward to connecting with people in Saskatoon Willowgrove, as well as people across the province through my Ministerial duties in Advanced Education and Labour and Workplace Safety. 

It has been a productive session, and many initiatives are now moving forward. I am glad to be back in our constituency and would love to connect with you! You are welcome to stop by our constituency office.  I am here to serve you.  If you have questions, concerns or ideas to share, please don’t hesitate to contact my constituency office at 306.651.7100.

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