New agriculture minister in minor cabinet shuffle
In minor shuffle, she replaces Mariat who moves to the agriculture portfolio
Estevan MLA Lori Carr was added to the Saskatchewan government cabinet as minister of highways in a minor shuffle on Wednesday.
The highways position was left vacant after MLA for Wood River Dave Marit was shifted into the agriculture portfolio, which he will take over from Lumsden-morse MLA Lyle Stewart, who stepped down from the position last week as he battles cancer.
Premier Scott Moe said the decisions he made ahead of the shuffle were done with “mixed emotions” because Stewart’s health dictated the moves.
He said his decision to pluck Carr, first elected in 2016 but never named to cabinet, from the backbenches spoke to the depth available in his governing Saskatchewan Party.
“She’s very competent and deserving of this honour to serve in executive council, on behalf of not just the people of Estevan but on behalf of the people of the province and we look forward to serving with her,” said Moe.
Stewart’s departure coupled with Carr’s addition to cabinet means there are now six women and 12 men serving as ministers in the province.
After being named to cabinet, Carr said she was “really excited” and the move “came as a bit of surprise” before thanking her constituents who voted for her in the first place.
“Nothing specifically as a priority, other than safety is so important,” she said, when asked about her priorities in the new portfolio.
Marit becomes only the province’s third agriculture minister since the Saskatchewan Party formed the government over a decade ago.
He was the president of the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities for eight years and has been an MLA since 2016.
“I know he’ll do a very, very good job,” said Moe, adding he hopes people within the agricultural community will engage with Marit.
The new agriculture minister said first and foremost his thoughts and prayers were with his predecessor Stewart.
“I’m truly honoured to be given this privilege,” Marit said, adding he has farmed all his life and agriculture has been his entire life.
He said he hopes he will be perceived well by the agricultural community and that they appreciate his background.
Because Stewart stepped down, unfortunate circumstances dictated the shuffle. Moe spoke confidently about his cabinet as it stands now and suggested there won’t be any other changes in the near future.
It is expected, however, that the government will soon call a byelection for the Regina-northeast seat, left vacant after former finance minister Kevin Doherty resigned earlier this year.