David Alward revamps cabinet in major shuffle

Premier David Alward has unveiled a major cabinet shuffle, moving several key ministers into new positions.

Deputy Premier Paul Robichaud is moving from the province's economic development minister into the contentious natural resources portfolio.

Bruce Fitch will be moving into the Department of Economic Development after serving as the minister of environment and local government.

"A strong natural-resource economy driven by New Brunswick innovation is the foundation of our plan to create jobs and allow communities to grow stronger today and for generations," Alward said in a statement.

"These changes will strengthen our government's ability to work with New Brunswickers to rebuild our province one job at a time."

Energy and Mines Minister Craig Leonard is staying in his position, which was created in the previous cabinet shuffle.

Health Minister Ted Flemming'srole inside the Alward cabinet was strengthened on Thursday. The premier added the position of attorney general to his responsibilities.

There were other high-profile cabinet ministers on the move in the shuffle.

Jody Carr will move over to the Department of Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour. Meanwhile, Marie-Claude Blaiswill take over for Carr in the Department of Education.

Alward's cabinet shuffle comes almost one year after his last major change to his inner circle. Last September, hepromoted four backbenchers, including Flemming, into cabinet.