Fort Simpson (Nov 03/06) - Nahendeh MLA Kevin Menicoche and Deh Cho MLA Michael McLeod have been playing catch-up over the past week.

Both MLAs were assigned new portfolios following a cabinet shuffle on Oct. 26.

Menicoche was named to the cabinet following the removal of health minister Michael Miltenberger on Oct. 19.

Miltenberger was accused of making a 'threatening' remark aimed at the family of the Kam Lake MLA Dave Ramsay on Oct 18. He was removed in an unanimous decision by the 11 regular MLAs. Cabinet ministers voted against the motion to remove Miltenberger.

McLeod said he was surprised that a cabinet shuffle was made when the next election for the legislative assembly will be called in Oct. 2007.

McLeod remains the minister for Municipal and Community Affairs and the minister responsible for youth. He has also taken on Environment and Natural Resources (ENR). He was formerly the minister of the Department of Transportation.

Despite being reluctant to start with a new department so late in the term, McLeod said he has always been interested in the issues that ENR covers.

"I'm quite excited about the new portfolio," he said.

McLeod said the ENR portfolio is relevant to his riding because the Deh Cho finds wildlife, forest management, conservation and protected areas important. Water quality is also part of the department and the Deh Cho has done a lot of work in that area, said McLeod.

"It's close to the hearts of many people in the smaller communities," he said.

McLeod plans to take a holistic approach to the department. Action plans should be linked so issues are not dealt with in isolation, he said. He also hopes to create firmer agreements on issues like air and water quality with neighbouring provinces and territories.

As the newest member of the cabinet, Kevin Menicoche said he was pleased that the other MLAs chose to elect him to the position.

"I had to take the opportunity when the door opened up," said Menicoche.

Being both a MLA and a cabinet minister is a challenge that Menicoche said he is ready to face.

"I'm confident I can complete the job of being a minister and at the same time take care of my constituents," he said.

Having a strong team will make the challenge easier, said Menicoche. He plans to retain his constituency assistants in Yellowknife and Fort Simpson and increase the position in the village to a full-time job by the end of the year.

Menicoche is now minister of Transportation and minister responsible for the Public Utilities Board. Menicoche said he's always been interested in the transportation department and as a regular MLA dealt with transportation issues frequently.

Increases in the cost of labour and materials means money needs to be spent carefully, he said.

Menicoche is also waiting to hear about the Highways, Boarders and Infrastructure fund announced by the federal government.

The $20 million that is expected for the Northwest Territories will be substantial for next budget, he said.

The next election will be called in October and Menicoche said he doesn't see himself making major changes to the department or the government.