Saskatchewan MLA Colleen Young says she remains confident she can represent the Lloydminster constituency despite no longer sitting at the cabinet table.
Young, who previously served as minister responsible for Energy and Resources, was removed from cabinet during a shuffle announced Dec. 11 by Premier Scott Moe.
The changes saw five newly elected MLAs join cabinet while three ministers, including Young, left their portfolios.
Premier Moe said at the time the changes were meant to bring a balance of experience and fresh perspectives to government.
“Nearly half of our government caucus was first elected in 2024, but I didn’t want to bring too many brand new members into cabinet right after the election,” Moe said in a statement announcing the changes.
“Those members now have more than a year of experience as MLAs and with today’s changes, one-third of cabinet will be new members.”
Young did not publicly comment on the change immediately following the shuffle.
When asked recently whether the Lloydminster constituency still has strong representation without a cabinet seat, Young said her role as an advocate for residents has not changed.
“I have always been a strong advocate for my constituents, whether I was a minister and at the cabinet table, or not,” Young said in an emailed response.
“I have a good working relationship with the premier and all cabinet ministers within the government.”
Young said those relationships allow her to continue raising local concerns even without holding a ministerial portfolio.
“I will continue to approach them whenever I need to voice concerns and advocate on behalf of my constituents’ issues and needs,” she said.
She added that her committee work within government also provides opportunities to raise issues affecting the Lloydminster area.
“I also sit on a number of government committees where I have the opportunity to ask questions, raise concerns and express my opinion on matters that may go before cabinet.”
Following the shuffle, Young was one of three ministers removed from cabinet.
Travis Keisig and Daryl Harrison also left cabinet, with the premier indicating all three would continue serving in other roles within government.
Young continues to serve as the Saskatchewan Party MLA for Lloydminster.
Read more: Young, province respond as Lloydminster bypassed in LTC projects
Why has Lloydminster been left out of the new health program Patients first. We are just getting the crumbs here.What is the reasoning to not include us.