Kevin Chief joins cabinet

Kevin Chief (left) with Lt. Governor Philip Lee at swearing in ceremony, January 13, 2012

WINNIPEG – Kevin Chief, MLA for Point Douglas and friend of the Manitoba Filipino community, is one of two new MLA’s appointed to Premier Selinger’s cabinet. He will take on the portfolio of a newly created department as Minister of Children and Youth Opportunities.

The appointment was part of a cabinet shake up announced by the premier on Friday, January 13, which also announced creation of the new department.

“Kevin’s already made a difference in the lives of many youth and in his new role, he’ll be in charge of creating opportunities for more kids and keeping them out of crime,” said Selinger in a press release.

Chief, who was elected to the legislature in the October 4, 2011 provincial election, was formerly the executive director of the Winnipeg Aboriginal Sport Achievement Centre and coordinator of the Innovative Learning Centre at the University of Winnipeg – among his many other services to the community.

Another new MLA, Ron Kostyshyn of Swan River, was appointed minister of agriculture, food and rural initiatives.

Cabinet shuffle

Filipino-Canadian, Flor Marcelino, MLA for Logan, will retain her portfolio as Minister of Culture, Heritage and Tourism but her multicultural responsibility now goes to Christine Melnik who is the new Minister of Immigration and Multiculturism.

Among the other veteran MLAs with new responsibilities are:

• Jennifer Howard, Minister of Family Services and Labour;
• Gord Mackintosh, Minister of Conservation and Water Stewardship and;
• Jim Rondeau, Minister of Healthy Living, Seniors and Consumer Affairs.

The premier also announced the creation of a new Priorities and Planning Committee of Cabinet. He said the new committee would be tasked with co-ordinating key government priorities to help meet the needs of Manitoba families and keep jobs and the economy growing.