P.E.I. premier names new nine-member cabinet

Wade MacLauchlan speaks to supporters at the celebration party in Charlottetown, P.E.I., Monday, May 4, 2015. (Nathan Rochford / THE CANADIAN PRESS)

CHARLOTTETOWN -- Prince Edward Island Premier Wade MacLauchlan named a new nine-member cabinet Wednesday, blending a mix of experienced cabinet ministers and a couple of rookie members of the legislature.

MacLauchlan said the swearing-in ceremony for his Liberal government marked the beginning of a new day for Prince Edward Island.

The cabinet now has one member more than it did before the provincial election on May 4. At nine members, the front bench is still smaller than the 11-member cabinet under former Liberal premier Robert Ghiz, who resigned and was replaced by MacLauchlan in February.

"We have obligations to lead and serve our province in collaboration with colleagues in the legislative assembly and the public service, and to offer good government to the people of Prince Edward Island," MacLauchlan said.

Aside from premier, MacLauchlan assumes the duties as minister responsible for justice and aboriginal affairs, and minister for Acadian and francophone affairs.

Former fisheries minister Allen Roach becomes the new minister of finance.

Doug Currie becomes the minister of health and wellness.

The new minister of fisheries and aquaculture is Alan McIsaac, who won his seat Tuesday with a coin toss after a recount had him tied with Progressive Conservative candidate Mary Ellen McInnis.

Roach, Currie and McIssac were in MacLauchlan's previous cabinet.

Richard Brown, who had been in cabinet between 2007 and 2011, is the new minister of workforce and advanced learning.

Rookie members Heath MacDonald and Tina Mundy are in cabinet. MacDonald takes the key role of minister of economic development and tourism, while Mundy becomes minister of education.

Paula Biggar is minister of transportation, infrastructure and energy, while Robert Mitchell is minister of communities, land and environment.

The nine members held their first cabinet meeting Wednesday afternoon.

"Our priorities will include working with all sectors to achieve a prosperous economy, to provide important public services to Prince Edward Islanders and to offer open and transparent government that will engage citizens throughout our province," MacLauchlan said.

The premier has pledged to convene the legislature in the coming weeks and delivery a new provincial budget.

The Liberals hold 18 seats in the legislature, while the Tories have eight and the Green party has one.