Premier Wab Kinew Shuffles Cabinet and Establishes a New Innovation and Technology Department

Three new MLAs appointed to Cabinet, and a first-in-Manitoba Ministry of Innovation and New Technology was created; as Premier Kinew expands his cabinet before the Manitoba Legislature returns next week.

TREATY 1 AND DAKOTA TERRITORY, HOMELAND OF THE RED RIVER MÉTIS, WINNIPEG— Today, after a year in office and with the Speech from the Throne set for next week (Tuesday, November 19), Premier Wab Kinew has announced an expanded cabinet with a new mandate: Deliver a Good Life for Manitobans. 

As part of this shuffle, the government has established a new Department of Innovation and New Technology, the first of its kind in Manitoba. It is led by newly appointed Minister Mike Moroz (MLA for River Heights) and is mandated to help grow Manitoba’s tech industry, support businesses, and foster innovation. In addition, the new Ministry has also been tasked with working closely with the new Minister of Delivery and Public Services to modernize government services and improve customer experience.  

Other notable changes include the division of the Ministry of Economic Development, Investment, Trade, and Natural Resources into two separate portfolios and the appointment of a new Minister to the Delivery of Public Services (formerly titled Ministry of Consumer Protection and Government Services) and was held by Lisa Naylor (MLA for Wolseley) in addition to her role as Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure.  

As previously announced in October, Tracy Schmidt (MLA for Rossmere) will continue to serve as Minister of Environment and Climate Change and acting Minister of Education and Early Childhood Learning after Nello Altomare (MLA for Transcona) temporarily stepped down from his Ministerial responsibilities due to medical issues. Minister Schmidt will continue to oversee the Education portfolio while Minister Altomare is on leave.  

The total number of Manitoba’s Cabinet Ministers has increased to 18 from 15.  

Who is New to Cabinet? 

Mike Moroz (MLA for River Heights) will join cabinet as Minister of Innovation of New Technology to lead an entirely new government department.  

Mintu Sandh (MLA for the Maples) has been appointed Minister of the Delivery of Public Services (formerly titled the Ministry of Consumer Protection and Government Services). 

Nellie Kennedy (MLA for Assiniboia) will now serve as the Minister of Sport, Culture, Heritage, and Tourism. 

Who has new responsibilities in Cabinet? 

Jamie Moses (MLA for St. Vital) will become the Minister of Business, Mining, Trade, and Job Creation. He was previously the Minister of Economic Development, Investment, Trade, and Natural Resources.  

Ian Bushie (MLA for Keewatinook) is now the Minister of Natural Resources and will continue to serve as Minister of Indigenous Futures (formerly called Indigenous Economic Development). He previously held the position of Minister of Municipal and Northern Relations.  

Glen Simard (MLA for Brandon East) has been promoted to Minister of Municipal and Northern Relations. He will remain the Minister responsible for Francophone Affairs and Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries. He previously served as the Minister of Sport, Culture, Heritage, and Tourism.  

Lisa Naylor (MLA for Wolseley) will continue to serve as Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure but will no longer hold the Minister of Consumer Protection and Government Services portfolio.  

New Legislative Assistants  

• Diljeet Brar (MLA for the Burrows) is the Legislative Assistant to the Minister of Sport, Culture, Heritage, and Tourism. 

• Mike Moyes (MLA for Riel) is the Legislative Assistant to the Minister of Education and Early Childhood Learning and Minister of Environment and Climate Change. 

• Jelynn Dela Cruz (MLA for Radisson) is the Legislative Assistant to the Minister of Health, Seniors, and Long-Term Care. 

• JD Devgan (MLA for McPhillips) is the Legislative Assistant to the Minister of Finance. 

• Eric Redhead (MLA for Thompson) is the Legislative Assistant to the Minister responsible for Indigenous Reconciliation. 

• Robert Loiselle (MLA for St. Boniface) is the Legislative Assistant to the Minister responsible for Francophone Affairs.  

The Complete List of Cabinet Ministers is as follows: 

• Wab Kinew (MLA for Fort Rouge) – Premier, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and International Relations, and Minister Responsible for Indigenous Reconciliation. 

• Uzoma Asagwara (MLA for Union Station) – Deputy Premier and Minister of Health, Seniors, and Long-Term Care. 

• Ron Kostyshyn (MLA for Dauphin) – Minister of Agriculture. 

• Matt Wiebe (MLA for Concordia) – Minister of Justice and Attorney General, Keeper of the Great Seal of the Province of Manitoba, and Minister responsible for the Manitoba Public Insurance Corporation. 

• Nahanni Fontaine (MLA for St. Johns) – Minister of Families, Minister responsible for Accessibility, and Minister responsible for Women and Gender Equity.  

• Bernadette Smith (MLA for Point Douglas) – Minister of Housing, Addictions and Homelessness, and Minister responsible for Mental Health. 

• Nello Altomare (MLA for Transcona) – Minister of Education and Early Childhood Learning. 

• Ian Bushie (MLA for Keewatinook) – Minister of Natural Resources and Indigenous Futures. 

• Malaya Marcelino (MLA for Notre Dame) – Minister of Labour and Immigration and Minister responsible for the Workers Compensation Board. 

• Jamie Moses (MLA for St. Vital) – Minister of Business, Mining, Trade and Job Creation. 

• Lisa Naylor (MLA for Wolseley) – Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure. 

• Adrien Sala (MLA for St. James) – Minister of Finance, Minister responsible for the Public Utilities Board, Minister responsible for Manitoba Hydro, and Minister responsible for the Manitoba Public Service. 

• Renée Cable (MLA for Southdale) – Minister of Advanced Education and Training. 

• Tracy Schmidt (MLA for Rossmere) – Minister of Environment and Climate change, Minister responsible for Efficiency Manitoba, and Acting Minister of Education and Early Childhood Learning. 

• Glen Simard (MLA for Brandon East) – Minister of Municipal and Northern Relations, Minister responsible for Francophone Affairs, and the Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries Corporation 

• Mintu Sandhu (MLA for The Maples) – Minister of Public Service Delivery. 

• Nellie Kennedy (MLA for Assiniboia) – Minister of Sport, Culture, Heritage and Tourism. 

• Mike Moroz (MLA for River Heights) – Minister of Innovation and New Technology. 

For mandate letters, click here. 

For the Manitoba Government News Release, click here. 

For an updated list of Deputy Ministers, click here.

Manitoba’s Speech from the Throne will be delivered by Lt.-Gov. Anita Neville on November 19, 2024, at 1:30 p.m. CT, to open the second session of the 43rd legislature. The speech is expected to highlight the government’s priorities and mandate of improving health care, growing Manitoba’s economy, improving public safety, and making life more affordable for Manitobans.  

Counsel’s Manitoba-based consultants look forward to bringing you additional insights next week.  

Looking for a trusted local partner to help you navigate government, build relationships, communicate effectively, and ultimately achieve your goals? 

Counsel’s team of Manitoba-based public affairs consultants have you covered. 

Book a call with our Manitoba Team today. 

Contact us: manitoba@counselpa.com | 204.720.3662 

counselpa.com/Manitoba