Daniel MacIsaac
Northern News Services

NNSL (Mar 31/99) - Michael Miltenberger and Vince Steen have moved from being simply members of the legislature to becoming full-fledged ministers.

At a meeting of the territorial leadership committee on Monday, Miltenberger, MLA for Fort Smith and Steen, Nunakput MLA, defeated four other MLAs over four rounds of voting to be elevated to the ministerial level and join Premier Jim Antoine's cabinet.

The two new ministers were sworn into office Tuesday by another recently promoted individual -- Don Marion, the new territorial commissioner.

The pair's first cabinet meeting followed and, shortly afterward, the premier announced the results of a cabinet shuffle and portfolio assignments:

• The premier retains responsibility for intergovernmental and aboriginal affairs
• Floyd Roland becomes deputy premier and takes over as minister responsible for health and social services, the NWT Housing Corporation and seniors.
• Stephen Kakfwi remains minister of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development and national constitutional affairs and takes over justice.
• Charles Dent retains his responsibility for the NWT Power Corporation but also becomes minister of finance and will be responsible for the Financial Management Board and the Women's Directorate.

Of the two new ministers, Miltenberger was assigned education, culture and employment, and is responsible for the Workers' Compensation Board, the Public Utilities Board and youth.

Steen, 57, becomes minister of transportation, and minister responsible for public works and services and municipal and community affairs.

Presenting the new lineup, Antoine said that every region in the new NWT is now reflected in the cabinet.

"These ministers have a wide variety of life experiences," he said.

"We're trying to reflect the aspirations of all the people."

In thanking the members for their support Monday, Steen admitted, "I'm really kind of tongue-tied...but I offer to do my best to represent my riding and the territory with whatever portfolio I'm assigned."

Miltenberger, 48, MLA for Thebacha and former Fort Smith mayor, also conceded to being emotionally touched.

"My heart rate's just about back to normal," he said, before quickly assuming a more businesslike stance.

"This is a gruelling time for everybody and there's lots of work to do -- we want to make sure we start off the new Northwest Territories in a really positive way."