This overhaul of Manitoba’s executive council marks a departure from previous cabinets over the past decade as there are many changes and four new members. The new ministers were sworn in Monday in a ceremony at the Legislative Building, as Premier Heather Stefanson was joined by Lt.-Gov. Anita Neville and Kathryn Gerrard, clerk of the executive council.
Biographies of new cabinet ministers
Janice Morley-Lecomte joins cabinet as Minister of Mental Health and Community Wellness. The MLA for Seine River was elected in April 2016. She began her advocacy career as a volunteer supporting Manitoba Child and Family Services, and furthered her advocacy by becoming a counsellor at a domestic violence shelter for women and children. Morley-Lecomte and her husband Henry have lived and raised their family in Seine River for the past 30 years.
James Teitsma becomes minister of the Department of Consumer Protection and Government Services. He’s been the MLA for Radisson since being elected in April 2016. He has lived and been an active community member in the Radisson constituency for over 20 years. He is the youngest of six children and grew up in the family home across the street from the CN Transcona Shops. Teitsma and his wife Joanne have been married for 19 years and are the proud parents of six children and share in their family’s love for sports including hockey, basketball and cycling. Teitsma also enjoys playing piano whenever he gets the chance.
Ibrahim (Obby) Khan becomes Minister of Sport, Culture and Heritage. He was elected in March 2022 as the MLA for Fort Whyte. A graduate of Simon Fraser University, Khan is renowned for his illustrious nine-year CFL career with the Ottawa Renegades, Winnipeg Blue Bombers and Calgary Stampeders. During his seven years with the Blue Bombers, Khan was a three-time recipient of the Cal Murphy Heart of a Legend Award, an honour awarded to the player who best demonstrates outstanding sportsmanship and dedication to the CFL and community. Khan is the first Muslim Canadian elected to the Manitoba legislature, and now becomes the first Muslim Canadian to serve in Manitoba’s cabinet.
Kevin Klein will serve as Minister of the Department of Environment and Climate Change. He was elected as the MLA for Kirkfield Park in December 2022. Klein spent over 15 years as a senior executive for three of Canada's most recognized companies including his time as publisher and CEO of the Winnipeg Sun and as a divisional president for MTS responsible for the creation of a new digital division. Klein served as the councillor for Charleswood-Tuxedo-Westwood in Winnipeg from 2018 to 2022. Klein is a Métis Canadian and continues to explore, working with Elders in Manitoba. Klein and his wife, Heather, are the parents of six children and three grandchildren.
Other changes to executive council include:
- Cliff Cullen continues as deputy premier and assumes the role of Minister of Finance;
- Jeff Wharton becomes Minister of Economic Development, Investment and Trade;
- Jon Reyes will serve as Minister of the newly established Department of Labour and Immigration.
- Eileen Clarke becomes Minister of Indigenous Reconciliation and Northern Relations;
- Sarah Guillemard will serve as Minister of the Department of Advanced Education and Training;
- Andrew Smith moves to the Department of Municipal Relations and retains responsibility for Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries Corporation.
Additionally, Josh Guenter (Borderland) will serve as legislative assistant to finance to assist in the government’s upcoming pre-budget consultation process. The fourth and final item of the government’s renewal, a shuffle of deputy ministers, will occur in due course Stefanson added.
