Yukon government sees major cabinet shuffle

In an attempt to bolster his government, Premier Dennis Fentie made a major cabinet shuffle yesterday moving 11 of 19 portfolios among himself and seven ministers.Yukon government sees major cabinet shuffleYukon government sees major cabinet shuffle

In an attempt to bolster his government, Premier Dennis Fentie made a major cabinet shuffle yesterday moving 11 of 19 portfolios among himself and seven ministers.

“Changes aren’t just for the sake of changes,“ said Fentie, hinting he would seek another term as premier. “It’s always advisable to enhance or increase the overall capacity and experience of the team, because we intend to carry on and lead this territory, building its future beyond this mandate.“

The most significant change sees Glenn Hart take over Health and Social Services and the Yukon Workers’ Compensation Health and Safety Board from Brad Cathers, who becomes the new Energy, Mines and Resources minister, minister responsible for the Liquor Corporation and Yukon Energy Corporation.

Hart continues his work as minister responsible for the French Languages Services Directorate.

Archie Lang holds on to Highways and Public Works and becomes the new minister of Community Services while Jim Kenyon takes over Yukon Development Corporation and the Yukon Energy Corporation duties from Lang.

Fentie keeps his Finance and Executive Council Office duties while shifting the Environment portfolio to Elaine Taylor. The new minister of Environment keeps her Tourism and Culture responsibilities, but Justice Minister Marian Horne takes over the Women’s Directorate from Taylor.

As well, Patrick Rouble continues as Education minister while becoming the new minister responsible for the Public Service Commission.

Speaking on behalf of the official opposition, Liberal MLA Don Inverarity had mixed feelings about the shuffle, announced by press release at 5 p.m. Thursday.

“It’s a bit of surprise, but overall I think some of the moves have been worthwhile doing,“ said Inverarity, calling Cather’s new role as minister responsible for the liquor corporation and lotteries, “a definite step down for him.“

“So I’m glad to see Brad (Cathers) replaced in Health and Social Services because I don’t think he’s been doing a particularly effective job there,“ he added.

Inverarity expressed disappointment that Dawson City, the second largest community in the Yukon, was shut out of cabinet.

“Clearly, it’s time that some of the younger people get moved into those positions,“ said Inverarity. “I think Steve Nordick could’ve represented Dawson quite well (as minister of Economic Development) at the cabinet table, but I guess that’s not to be.“

NDP Leader Todd Hardy shared Inverarity’s assessment of Cather’s performance on the Health and Social Services file.

“There’s been a lot of complaints publicly and by many of those who work in the department in regards to (Cather’s) understanding, his sensitivity around such a huge portfolio,“ said Hardy. “They need somebody in there that maybe is a little bit more experienced to handle those challenges.“

However, the premier defended Cather’s performance, reiterating his shuffle rationale as a way to enhance experience among his ministers.

“Mr. Cathers, being young of age, certainly has a bright future in the political arena, it’s important to give him other opportunities,“ said Fentie.

Both Inverarity and Hardy thought Fentie should’ve stepped down as Finance minister too, after the botched Asset Backed Commercial Investment that tied up $36.5 million in taxpayer dollars for eight years, and which Auditor General Sheila Fraser roundly criticized for violating government legislation.

But Hardy reserved his harshest words for Fentie’s handling of the environment file and questioned the reason for making Taylor its newest minister.

“I think (the Environment portfolio) was completely neglected under him, intentionally,“ Hardy said. “I also believe, unfortunately, he will continue to monitor it closely because truthfully he’s given Elaine Taylor very little over the years. She’s kind of just been a poster child, but has never really had to handle portfolios of any significance and when she did have one, which was Justice, she got herself in a lot of hot water.“

During the previous Fentie government, Taylor caused controversy after using her influence as justice minister to retrieve a vehicle from police impound.

However, the premier stood by Taylor’s record in the public’s service and said he was confident in her abilities.

“I find that kind of comment offensive when you understand the dedication and commitment that Taylor brings to the business of governance,“ said Fentie.

“But as far as how government operates, my job is to always be cognizant of what’s going on … I find comments like that entirely offensive and whoever said them, it’s a disgusting approach to take.“

The premier also dismissed speculation from Inverarity and Hardy that the shuffle was paving the way for Fentie’s retirement after his Yukon Party’s current mandate expires in 2011.

“I think it’s clear (both) opposition (parties) have demonstrated on a consistent basis that speculation has been their approach to things and they’ll continue to speculate at their peril,“ Fentie shot back. “And frankly, because they spend so much time on speculation, that’s why they’re in opposition and not in government.“