SASKATOON — Saskatchewan NDP Leader Carla Beck announced some minor changes to her shadow cabinet, a move by the Opposition as it prepares to present itself to voters ahead of the next provincial election, scheduled for 2028.
Beck said the shadow cabinet reshuffle is part of the party’s strategy to be focused and ready to act on day one if the provincial NDP forms government. The caucus deemed it necessary to create positions reflecting issues Saskatchewan residents face and to look toward the future.
Regina Northeast MLA Jacqueline Roy has been appointed shadow minister for Women’s Health. At the same time, Saskatoon Southeast MLA Brittney Senger will take on the role of shadow minister for Technology, Innovation and Artificial Intelligence.
Beck, who announced the changes Wednesday, Jan. 14 in Saskatoon, said the adjustments are not a response to Premier Scott Moe’s cabinet shuffle last month, noting that some of the new portfolios do not exist within government, including Roy’s and Senger’s roles.
“This is not an area of focus that we've seen from the government. This is about a team that's always planning and doing the work. These are areas where we needed more focus, and we've got some fantastic MLAs who we're looking to dig deeper into those areas,” Beck said.
She added the Opposition is planning for the future based on feedback from Saskatchewan residents, particularly where gaps exist in services an NDP government could address if given the opportunity to govern.
“As I’ve said, what’s it going to take to hit the ground running on day one and start to implement these changes. Frankly, I see the government flat-footed right now. Artificial intelligence is at the top of the list. I hope not to make any more changes in the future. But, as always, in government leadership roles, you have to adjust and keep driving towards the best outcomes for the people of this province,” Beck said.
“That's what we're doing: using this team's strengths and making sure we've got a plan to implement positive change. Should we have the honour of forming government, we want to be able to start delivering day one by showing that we're doing the work now.”
Roy said her focus will be on addressing health-care gaps affecting women, including long wait times for mammograms, delays in biopsies and patients leaving the province for cancer care.
Her appointment, Roy said, is intended to ensure women’s health is treated as a priority rather than a subset of general health policy.
“This government has been in power for 18 years, and this hasn't simply made women's health care a priority. Right now, women in this province are waiting for months and months for essential procedures like mammograms, and some are even having to go to Alberta to get their cancer care. That's not the future I want for women and girls in Saskatchewan. It is time for a change,” Roy said.
“In taking on this new opportunity, I promise the people of Saskatchewan that I will work hard every day to fight for the health-care system that women and Saskatchewan need and that women in Saskatchewan so deserve.”
Beck also emphasized that artificial intelligence will shape Saskatchewan’s labour market and economic competitiveness. By assigning Senger to develop an AI strategy, Beck said the party is positioning itself as forward-looking, with attention to both economic opportunity and worker protection.
Senger said emerging technologies will play a significant role in shaping the province’s economy and workforce.
“Our world is changing fast. We must do everything we can to ensure new technologies like AI help people and don't leave them behind. There is no evidence that the government is taking this seriously. I look forward to helping bring change in technological innovation to the people of Saskatchewan, to shape a province that excites and attracts people to live here, not force them to find new opportunities,” Senger said.
The remainder of the NDP caucus’s shadow minister positions are as follows:
Beck — Leader; Agriculture and Rural Affairs; Intergovernmental Affairs; Executive Council
Vicki Mowat — Deputy leader
Brent Blakley — Parks, Culture and Sport
Bhajan Brar — Human Rights; Provincial Capital Commission
Kim Breckner — Deputy house leader; Trade and Export Development; Saskatchewan Research Council
Noor Burki — Immigration and Career Training
April ChiefCalf — Housing
Jared Clarke — Deputy caucus chair; Rural and Remote Health; Environment
Meara Conway — Health
Hugh Gordon — SaskBuilds and Procurement; Associate Community Safety
Tajinder Grewal — Advanced Education
Sally Housser — Energy and Resources; SaskEnergy
Keith Jorgenson — Seniors; Associate Health
Leroy Laliberte — First Nations and Métis Relations
Matt Love — Caucus chair; Education
Don McBean — Tourism; Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority; SaskGaming
Jordan McPhail — Ethics and Democracy; Northern Affairs; Forestry; SaskTel
Betty Nippi-Albright — Mental Health and Addictions
Joan Pratchler — Childcare and Early Learning; Associate Education
Erika Ritchie — Government Relations; Social Services
Jacqueline Roy — Women’s Health; Status of Women; Francophone Affairs
Nicole Sarauer — House leader; Justice and Attorney General; Community Safety
Brittney Senger — Technology, Innovation and Artificial Intelligence; Disabilities and Community-Based Organizations
Nathaniel Teed — Labour; 2SLGBTQ rights
Darcy Warrington — Highways and Infrastructure; SGI
Trent Wotherspoon — Finance; Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation; Deputy Agriculture
Aleana Young — Jobs and Economy; Crown Investments Corporation; SaskPower
