ST. JOHN'S, N.L. — Some changes to Premier Dwight Ball's cabinet were announced at a swearing-in ceremony at Government House in St. John's on Friday.
In the unexpected shuffle, Virginia Waters – Pleasantville MHA Bernard Davis replaces St. Barbe - L'Anse aux Meadows MHA Christopher Mitchelmore as the Minister of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation.
Mitchelmore, meanwhile, has been appointed Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Labour and Minister Responsible for Francophone Affairs.
Perry Trimper, MHA from Lake Melville in Labrador and Speaker of the House, is the new Minister of Municipal Affairs and Environment, and Minister Responsible for the Multi-Materials Stewardship Board, and Registrar General.
There was no word on who would replace Trimper as Speaker in the House of Assembly. Deputy Speaker Scott Reid will assume the job in the interim and oversee the election for the position. Any sitting MHA can be nominated for the position.
The election could take place when the House of Assembly opens in early November, but it could also be called sooner.
Executive council appointments also announced on Friday include Jamie Chippett as Deputy Minister, Service NL; Sean Dutton as Deputy Minister of the Department of Transportation and Works; and Tracy King as Deputy Minister of the Department of Municipal Affairs and Environment
EARLIER STORY
It appears changes are forthcoming to the provincial Liberal cabinet.
An executive council release this morning indicates that there will be a cabinet swearing-in ceremony at Government House today at 10 a.m.
The news release does not indicate which MHAs are involved or the portfolios that are impacted.
Premier Dwight Ball's current cabinet was put in place following the provincial election earlier this year.
