Yellowknife (Mar 21/05) - There were few surprises in a cabinet shuffle announced by Premier Joe Handley, March 17.

Only two cabinet ministers saw any significant changes to their existing portfolios, most notably Charles Dent who traded in Justice for the NWT Worker's Compensation Board.

Dent faced mounting criticism from regular MLAs in recent months for his handling of several controversies involving the Justice department, including job cutbacks, and staff grievances at the North Slave Correctional Centre. Handley said Dent's problems in the legislative assembly had little to do with his decision to remove him from Justice.

"One of the things I wanted to do was distribute the workload more equitably," said Handley.

"Mr. Dent has had a tremendously big workload with the second largest department - the largest department in terms of mandates - as well as the Department of Justice."

Dent will keep Education, Culture and Employment, plus gain responsibilities for the Worker's Compensation Board from David Krutko.

The only other significant change on cabinet was the splitting of the Resources, Wildlife, and Economic Development portfolio.

Brendan Bell gains Justice and will keep the Industry, Technology, and Investment division of RWED, while giving up Environment to Health and Social Services Minister Michael Miltenberger.

Changing Portfolios

Premier Joe Handley:

• Loses NWT Power Corporation
• Keeps Aboriginal Affairs and responsibilities for Intergovernmental Forum

Floyd Roland:

• Loses Public Utilities Board
• Keeps Finance, Financial Management Board Secretariat, Public Works and Services
• Remains deputy premier

Charles Dent:

• Loses Justice
• Gains Worker's Compensation Board
• Keeps Education, Culture and Employment, Status of Women
• Remains government house leader

Brendan Bell:

• Resources, Wildlife and Economic Development (RWED) split; keeps Industry, Tourism and Investment
• Gains Justice

Michael Miltenberger:

• Gains newly created portfolio of Environment and Natural Resources out of RWED split
• Keeps Health and Social Services, responsibilities for Persons with Disabilities and Seniors

Michael McLeod:

• Gains Public Utilities Board
• Keeps Transportation, Municipal and Community Affairs, responsibilities for Youth

David Krutko:

• Loses Worker's Compensation Board
• Gains Northwest Territories Power Corporation
• Keeps NWT Housing Corporation