NDP unveils new shadow cabinet with focus on women’s health and artificial intelligence – DiscoverHumboldt.com

Saskatchewan NDP Leader Carla Beck has unveiled a new shadow cabinet, introducing new portfolios that place added emphasis on women’s health, technology, innovation and artificial intelligence as the party positions itself as a government-in-waiting. 

In a news release, Beck said the new shadow cabinet reflects what she described as the province’s most pressing challenges after 18 years of Saskatchewan Party government. 

“After 18 years, Scott Moe’s Sask. Party is out of touch, out of ideas, and taking our province in the wrong direction,” Beck said. “For the first time in years, more people are leaving Saskatchewan than choosing to make it their home.” 

Beck said the new structure is part of the NDP’s effort to “hit the ground running on Day 1” should it form government. 

Two new shadow minister roles headline the changes. Regina Northeast MLA Jacqueline Roy has been appointed Shadow Minister for Women’s Health, a portfolio Beck said reflects long-standing gaps in care. 

“This government has been in power for 18 years and they simply haven’t made women’s healthcare a priority,” Roy said, pointing to long wait times for mammograms and the need for some patients to travel out of province for cancer treatment. 

Saskatoon Southeast MLA Brittney Senger takes on the newly created role of Shadow Minister for Technology, Innovation and Artificial Intelligence. Senger has been tasked with developing an artificial intelligence strategy that the NDP says it would implement if elected. 

“Our world is changing so fast,” Senger said. “We must do everything we can to make sure new technology like AI helps people and doesn’t leave them behind.” 

Additional changes include Cumberland MLA Jordan McPhail adding the Ethics and Democracy file, while Saskatoon Silverspring MLA Hugh Gordon becomes Associate Shadow Minister for Community Safety. Regina Wascana Plains MLA Brent Blakley takes over Parks, Culture and Sport, and Saskatoon Nutana MLA Erika Ritchie becomes Shadow Minister for Social Services. 

The NDP says the revamped shadow cabinet is intended to strengthen caucus oversight of government and present clear alternatives across key policy areas. 

Saskatchewan NDP Shadow Cabinet and Senior Caucus Roles 

The NDP says the new shadow cabinet underscores its priorities around health care access, economic change, and accountability, as it continues to position itself as an alternative government for Saskatchewan.