Tony Wakeham was inaugurated as the 16th premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, signifying the Progressive Conservative party’s comeback to power after nearly ten years. Wakeham successfully led the PCs to a majority win in the provincial election held on October 14.
The swearing-in ceremony took place at Government House in St. John’s on Wednesday morning, where Wakeham’s initial cabinet was also sworn in. The cabinet comprises several PC MHAs who will oversee various significant portfolios:
– Barry Petten, Conception Bay South MHA, serves as Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, Public Procurement, and Deputy Premier.
– Helen Conway Ottenheimer, Harbour Main MHA, holds the roles of Minister of Justice and Public Safety, Attorney General, Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Disaster Management, Minister of Women and Gender Equality, Minister Responsible for Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Office, and Minister Responsible for the Human Rights Commission.
– Paul Dinn, Topsail-Paradise MHA, is appointed as the Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development, and Advanced Education and Skills.
– Lela Evans, Torngat Mountains MHA, takes on the responsibilities of Minister of Health and Community Services, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, Minister Responsible for N.L. Health Services, Minister of Labrador Affairs and Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation.
– Pleaman Forsey, Exploits MHA, serves as Minister of Forestry, Agriculture, and Lands, and Minister of Crown Lands.
– Loyola O’Driscoll, Ferryland MHA, is appointed as Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture.
– Craig Pardy, Bonavista MHA, holds the positions of Minister of Finance, President of the Treasury Board, Minister of Seniors, Minister Responsible for the Public Service Commission, and Minister Responsible for the Newfoundland and Labrador Liquor Corporation.
– Lloyd Parrott, Terra Nova MHA, takes on the role of Minister of Energy and Mines, and Government House Leader.
– Chris Tibbs, Grand Falls-Windsor-Buchans MHA, is designated as Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs, Registrar General, Minister of Community Engagement, Minister of Environment, Conservation and Climate Change, and Minister Responsible for the Multi-Material Stewardship Board.
– Joedy Wall, Cape St. Francis MHA, serves as Minister of Social Supports and Wellbeing, Minister of Housing, Minister of Poverty Reduction, Minister Responsible for the Status of Persons with Disabilities, and Deputy Government House Leader.
– Lin Paddock, Baie Verte-Green Bay MHA, has been assigned as Minister of Jobs and Growth, Minister of Rural Development, Minister of Immigration, and Minister of Francophone Affairs.
– Andrea Barbour, St. Barbe-L’Anse aux Meadows MHA, takes on the roles of Minister of Tourism, Culture and Arts, Minister of Sports, Recreation and Parks, Minister Responsible for PictureNL, Minister Responsible for the Newfoundland and Labrador Arts Council, and Minister Responsible for the Pippy Park Commission.
– Mike Goosney, Humber-Gros Morne MHA, is appointed as Minister of Government Services, Minister Responsible for the Office of the Chief Information Officer, Minister of Labour, and Minister Responsible for WorkplaceNL.
The Progressive Conservatives secured 21 seats in the October election, clinching a majority government by a narrow margin in the popular vote. The Liberals secured 15 seats, while the NDP and Independents each won two seats. The Liberals have requested recounts in three closely contested districts – Placentia West-Bellevue, Topsail-Paradise, and Lewisporte-Twillingate – citing the need to ensure the accuracy of the vote count.
In response, the PCs criticized the recount requests as unnecessary and a misuse of the court’s time. The political landscape in Newfoundland and Labrador is set for significant changes as the PCs take the reins of power after a decade.
