Tracy Schmidt sworn in as education minister in wake of Nello Altomare's death

In a private ceremony Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew has sworn in Tracy Schmidt, left, as the minister of education and early childhood education, while Mike Moyes, right, is taking over her previous post as of minister environment and climate change.   (CBC - image credit)
In a private ceremony Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew has sworn in Tracy Schmidt, left, as the minister of education and early childhood education, while Mike Moyes, right, is taking over her previous post as of minister environment and climate change. (CBC - image credit)

Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew has made a minor cabinet shuffle following the death of Nello Altomare.

Tracy Schmidt is taking over as minister of education and early childhood learning. Schmidt assumed the post in an acting capacity after Altomare stepped down in October for medical reasons. He died on Jan. 14.

MLA Mike Moyes (Riel) will assume Schimdt's previous portfolio as minister of environment and climate change.

Both ministers were sworn into cabinet in a private ceremony, the province said in a news release on Thursday.

With Moyes now a member of the cabinet, he will be stepping down as the chair of the NDP caucus, the party said in a separate news release.

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St. Boniface MLA Robert Loiselle has been named the NDP's new caucus chair, backed up by Tuxedo MLA Carla Compton as deputy chair.

The NDP government will need to call a byelection in the coming months to fill Altomare's seat in Transcona.