The MLA for Steinbach calls it great news to be keeping the role of Education Minister.

The Premier introduced his new Cabinet on Wednesday and Kelvin Goertzen saw only a slight change to his responsibilities. In addition to being Education Minister, Goertzen continues as House Leader but is no longer Minister of Training.

For Goertzen, this is his fourth year going into Cabinet.

"Lots of different challenges and things to do," he says. "But it's always an honour to serve in anything within the Legislature."

Goertzen says first and foremost, his most important job is to serve as MLA for Steinbach. But, he says he values the opportunity to tackle other assignments in the Legislature.

"To serve in Cabinet for about four years now is obviously an honour and something that I enjoy doing," he says.

Goertzen says a big task upcoming in his department is the K-12 review, which he expects to be submitted to government early in the new year.

"That, we would expect will have fairly significant recommendations for change to the K to 12 system because there hasn't been a review like that done for several decades," notes Goertzen. "So we're gearing up for that and preparing for whatever recommendations might come and then that will be a significant part of the work going forward."

As House Leader, Goertzen says he has had this responsibility four times throughout his political career; twice in opposition and twice as part of the party in power. He notes of his 16 years as MLA, he has assumed the role of House Leader for about ten of those years.

"I don't know if that means they like the job that I'm doing or if they think that I'm going to get better if they leave me in it," he jokes.

As mentioned, the Steinbach MLA is no longer Minister of Training. As part of the new Cabinet, Pallister has created a new portfolio, led by Ralph Eichler. The new Department of Economic Development and Training will focus on economic development combined with post-secondary education and training to create synergies and alignment between learning and the jobs that will drive the economy.

Goertzen says being Training Minister was not a large portion of his work, yet, he calls it important. Goertzen notes the training portfolio probably aligns better with economic development anyway.

The new Cabinet introduced Wednesday has two new members. Goertzen says he is excited to see both Sarah Guillemard and Reg Helwer join the team.

"Two great colleagues who I think will do a really good job," he says.

Fort Richmond MLA Sarah Guillemard was sworn in as minister for the new Department of Conservation and Climate, while Brandon West MLA Reg Helwer was sworn in as minister for the new Department of Central Services.

Meanwhile, Goertzen says he will be receiving a new mandate letter from the Premier, expected sometime during the next legislative session.