Manitoba’s premier is getting a jump on shuffling her cabinet, announcing on Thursday that Ron Schuler is being replaced as Manitoba’s Minister of Infrastructure and minister responsible for the Manitoba Emergency Measures Organization (EMO).

Heather Stefanson has appointed Reg Helwer.

Reg Helwer takes over Ron Schuler's portfolios in cabinet.

“I am confident in Minister Helwer’s ability, dedication and leadership skills to take on the new role as Manitoba faces a surge in COVID-19 cases and Manitobans are asked to take every possible step to help limit the spread of this virus, including getting fully vaccinated, limiting their close contacts and following the fundamentals and public health orders,” said Stefanson.

Helwer is currently the Minister of Central Services and will continue to hold those responsibilities in addition to the two new roles.

The premier thanked Schuler, MLA for Springfield-Ritchot, for over five years of service as a cabinet minister in various portfolios.

We can expect the premier to make more changes in cabinet in the early days of 2022.