Yellowknife (Oct 27/06) - Premier Joe Handley announced a major cabinet shuffle Thursday, coming in the wake of Michael Miltenberger's ouster from the executive council last week.

Taking over Miltenberger's environment portfolio is Michael McLeod, who remains Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs and Minister Responsible for Youth.

McLeod's Transportation and Public Utilities Board portfolios go to rookie minister Kevin Menicoche.

Floyd Roland retains Miltenberger's portfolio of Health and Social Services - awarded by Handley last week - while keeping his posts as deputy premier, finance minister and minister responsible for the Financial Management Board Secretariat.

Roland's Public Works portfolio is now in the hands of David Krutko.

Krutko also becomes the new minister responsible for the Workers' Compensation Board - formerly held by Charles Dent - and remains minister responsible for the Northwest Territories Power Corporation.

Krutko's housing corporation file is now in the hands of the premier, who maintains responsibility for Aboriginal Affairs and Intergovernmental Relations.

Dent remains government house leader, minister of Education, Culture and Employment and minister responsible for the Status of Women.

In addition to heading up the Ministry of Human Resources, Dent also takes on the seniors and persons with disabilities portfolios previously held by Roland.

Brendan Bell keeps his posts as minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment and minister of Justice, while taking on another portfolio, minister responsible for the homeless.