Yellowknife (Dec 17/03) - The premier of the NWT has decided which portfolios cabinet members will fill over the next term in the legislative assembly.

Premier Joe Handley wasted no time shuffling deputy ministers. Richard Bargery, current deputy minister of aboriginal affairs, is now Handley's principal secretary. Bargery's position is being replaced by Bob McLeod, currently RWED deputy minister. Meanwhile, Peter Vician, deputy minister of transportation, replaces McLeod. Russell Neudorf, currently director of planning and policy in transportation, will be deputy minister of transportation on an interim basis.

Joe Handley quoted new prime minster Paul Martin Monday at the legislative assembly, saying selecting his cabinet is "one of the loneliest parts of the job."

But in the end, he said he was very pleased with the outcome.

"With the assignments that we have it's a good balance," said Handley.

The premier, besides being the minister of the executive, will also be responsible for the aboriginal affairs and intergovernmental affairs portfolios.

Inuvik Boot Lake MLA Floyd Roland is now the new deputy premier. He will also take over the reigns as finance minister, a position Handley held during the 14th legislative assembly, chair of the Financial Management Board and serve as the Minister of Public Works and Services.

"Roland has been an individual that has paid very close attention to our fiscal situation," said Handley.

Thebacha MLA Michael Miltenberger will retain his position as health minister. He will also look after the ministry responsible for seniors and the ministery responsible for persons with disabilities.

Frame Lake MLA Charles Dent returned as minister of Education, Culture and Employment, a position he held in the 13th assembly.

Dent said he's still settling in but is committed to opening the lines of communication between cabinet members and MLAs, something he said was lacking in past assemblies.

"We (cabinet) will make sure we communicate with them," he said. "We will try to be more open than we have been in the past."

Dent was also handed the justice ministry and becomes the minister responsible for the Status of Women.

Yellowknife South MLA Brendan Bell will take on a big role as minister of Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development and the Minister of the Workers Compensation Board. Deh Cho MLA Michael McLeod has been assigned to Transportation. He will also be Minister of the NWT Housing Corporation and Minister responsible for Youth.

North Slave MLA Henry Zoe has claimed a spot as minister of Municipal and Community Affairs and Minister responsible for the Public Utilities Board.

"I think it's going to be a very busy portfolio," said Handley, adding that establishing aboriginal governments over the next four years will make the job challenging.

The 15th assembly will formally sit for the first time on Jan. 20, 2004.