Stefanson makes changes; MHCA salutes Leitch, Houde
Premier Heather Stefanson has appointed Kathryn Gerrard as Clerk of the Cabinet. Gerrard has served as deputy minister of economic development, investment and trade, and as deputy minister of families.
Stefanson made the announcement January 12, in thanking former clerk, Don Leitch, who will assist in the during the transition.
“We want to very sincerely publicly acknowledge and thank Don Leitch, who has served in this senior public service position for multiple Premiers in Manitoba and in other deputy ministerial positions in other jurisdictions,” MHCA President Chris Lorenc said. “He is a principled and astute adviser. His acceptance of, and support for, the notion that growing the economy is job #1 was very much appreciated by the many who worked with Don. He will be missed.
“We look forward to working with Kathryn Gerrard on a number of pressing provincial priorities, including and most immediately the need to see Canada reinvest in its trade transportation gateways and corridors.”
The premier also announced the departure of her chief of staff, Phil Houde. Lorenc thanked Houde for his public service and for his assistance with industry concerns during his tenure. “His astuteness and frank approach were among Phil’s many strengths,” said Lorenc.
No details regarding Houde’s successor were released.
The changes were made to reflect “a time of renewal and a time to redouble our efforts to heal health care and rejuvenate our economy while helping make our streets safer and life more affordable for Manitobans,” said Stefanson.
