Environment ministers rarely have environment experience. Manitoba is adding to the trend – The Narwhal

Oct. 24, 2023

Premier Wab Kinew followed the status quo last week by appointing a rookie MLA to the environment file, the sixth environment minister in Manitoba in seven years

Surrounded by the lush tropical greenery of Winnipeg’s indoor gardens, Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew reaffirmed his commitment to “turning a new leaf” as he introduced his inaugural cabinet, including a new minister of environment and climate change.

Tracy Schmidt, a rookie MLA representing the Winnipeg suburb constituency Rossmere, has been appointed to helm the department and oversee Crown corporation Efficiency Manitoba for the New Democratic government. Schmidt comes to the file with a background in labour law following a 10-year career with Canada Post.

At the end of his closing remarks detailing the NDP’s plan to revitalize health care and strengthen the provincial economy, Kinew used the event’s location — The Leaf at Winnipeg’s Assiniboine Park — to signal his government’s intent on climate change.

Read More: https://thenarwhal.ca/manitoba-new-environment-minister-2023/