Premier Greg Selinger replaces 5 cabinet ministers in government revolt

Manitoba Premier Greg Selinger has appointednew cabinet ministers to replace five members who started a revolt against his leadership and resigned their posts today.

Theministers who resigned onMonday morningknown informally as the "Gang of Five" cited"turmoil" and "grave concerns" about not being able to speak their minds in government.

• Manitoba revolt: 5 ministers resign from Premier GregSelinger'scabinet

However, the five outgoing ministers said they will remain staunch New Democratic members of the legislative assembly and vote with the government on issues in the legislature.

The fiveare:

• Jennifer Howard,Fort Rouge, formerminister of finance.
• StanStruthers, Dauphin, former minister of municipal government.
• Theresa Oswald,Seine River, former minister for jobs and the economy.
• Andrew Swan,Minto, former minister of justice.
• ErinSelby, Southdale, former minister of health.

Their replacementswere sworn in during a ceremonyat the Manitoba Legislature thisafternoon.

The new ministers include:

• Greg Dewar, minister of finance.
• DeanneCrothers, minister of healthy living and seniors.
• Drew Caldwell, minister of municipal government.
• Melanie Wight, minister of children and youth opportunities.

"Today, as we inaugurate a new cabinet, I would like to acknowledge each of those leaving for their contributions to building our province," Selingersaid nearthe end of the ceremony.

"Manitobans have elected a dedicated, diverse and experienced group of New Democratic MLAs who represent every region of our province and draw experience from a wide variety of fields. With this new cabinet, we draw from the strengths of our talented caucus."

Four newcomers have joined cabinet,while Selinger changed and/or added tothe portfolios of six existing cabinet members.

Dewar, the Selkirk MLA, replacesHoward as finance minister.The appointment marks his first cabinet post.

During the ceremony,Selinger said Dewar brings "deep experience as a member of the legislature," including five years as vice-chair of thepublic accounts committee,five years on the treasury boardand two years as the legislative assistant to the finance minister.

Caldwell, the Brandon East MLA, had previously served in cabinet from 1999 to 2003. He replaces Struthers as the minister of municipal government.

The audience cheered and clapped as the premier introduced Eric Robinson, who receives additional duties in cabinet, as "the first-ever aboriginal minister responsible for Manitoba Hydro."

A news release detailingthe changes was sent out a couple of hours after the fiveministers resigned, saying they hadlost confidence inSelinger'sleadership.

The changes mean the cabinet is reduced to 18 ministers from 19.

The following ministers have had their roles changed or enhanced:

• James Allum, minister of justice.
• SharonBlady, minister of health.
• Kevin Chief, minister of jobs and the economy.
• Kerri Irvin-Ross, minister of housing and community development, minister responsible for persons with disabilities.
• Eric Robinson, minister responsible for Manitoba Hydro.
• Peter Bjornson, minister of education and advanced learning.

Call election now, says Liberal leader

While Selinger is hoping the cabinet shuffle will settle the internal revolt, opposition leaders sayan election is needed to resolve the matter once and for all.

Liberal Leader Rana Bokhari said Selinger should call an election immediately and let Manitobans decide the best direction for the province.

"It is apparent that the NDP government is going through unprecedented turmoil. Five of the government's key ministries have lost their leaders and the premier seems determined to continue forward with business as usual," Bokhari stated in a news release Monday.

"Unfortunately that is impossible. There has been no call for a fall session thus far. The NDP has long been out of touch with the people of this province and with the resignation of five of their most senior ministers, Premier Selinger and the NDP have lost the faith of Manitobans."