Simard ‘excited’ about new role

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This article was published 14/11/2024 (386 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A cabinet shuffle has put Brandon East NDP MLA Glen Simard in a new role in the provincial government just over a year after being sworn in as minister of heritage, sport, culture and tourism.

Premier Wab Kinew announced a change Wednesday morning, shifting the responsibilities of several ministers. Simard, who has multiple ministerial roles, was moved from his role of heritage, sport, culture and tourism minister to that of minister of municipal and northern relations.

It makes Simard a go-to for local leaders.

“If somebody wants the cabinet of Manitoba to do something, from the premier to any ministers, they will go to minister Simard,” cabinet press secretary Caedmon Malowany told the Sun on Wednesday. “If any mayor or reeve wants the province to do something to help them, they will reach out.”

A mandate letter for his new role says to ensure municipalities and northern leaders understand Simard is their “point person” in the provincial government.

In general, local governments also reach out when they are searching for funds through two programs — Manitoba Growth, Renewal and Opportunities for Municipalities, and From The Ground Up.

Funding requests can include examples like fixing the roof on an arena, or a playground, or upgrading a school, said Malowany.

Simard remains minister for liquor and lotteries as well as for francophone affairs. When it comes to his switch from heritage, culture, sport and tourism to municipal and northern affairs, he said he is happy.

“I’m excited about the new opportunity that this presents,” Simard said, adding that it leans into connections he has built through his prior role, and this will help him moving forward.

“This job, like all jobs, comes from having great relationships with your partners, which municipalities and cities are,” Simard said.

“My vision is to continue to have a great working relationship. To be able to achieve the goals of the province but at the same time the goals that each one of these regions have for their citizens. Because we’re all on the same team.”

He said another focus is providing local communities with predictable and sustainable funding models. This means communities have a stronger sense of what they can expect and growth becomes easier.

The movement comes just over a year since Simard was sworn in as a cabinet minister. Looking back at that, he said he’s proud to have been a part of big announcements like this month’s $1-million increase in funding to the Manitoba Arts Council.

The premier stated in Wednesday’s announcement that the change in cabinet was about continued service to the province with new energy.

“Today, we renew our commitment to deliver a good life for families, with refreshed and focused government departments and dedicated new ministers ready to serve you,” Kinew said in the press release Wednesday.

Also moving in their positions in cabinet: MLA for St. Vital Jamie Moses will be serving for business, mining, trade and job creation instead of economic development, investment, trade and resources; Lisa Naylor, the MLA for Wolseley, will no longer be serving for consumer protection and government services but will retain her role in transportation and infrastructure.

Simard’s new role had previously been occupied by Ian Bushie, the MLA for Keewatinook. Bushie has taken on the role of minister of natural resources and Indigenous futures.

A new portfolio called innovation and new technology will be led by River Heights MLA Mike Moroz.

Two other new members of cabinet are The Maples MLA Mintu Sandhu, who is now minister of the delivery of public services, and Assiniboia MLA Nellie Kennedy, who takes over for Simard as minister of sport, culture, heritage and tourism.

» cmcdowell@brandonsun.com