Major cabinet shuffle aims to reduce red tape, streamline development projects in Labrador: NL premier

NL Premier Tony Wakeham addresses reporters on Thursday, Aug. 20, 2026 at Government House in St. John’s. Photo by Kyle MooneyArticle contentPremier of Newfoundland and Labrador Tony Wakeham took questions from reporters at Government House on Thursday, Aug. 20, 2026 following the announcement of a major cabinet shuffle.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentAmong the most notable changes announced Thursday were the removal of Andrea Barbour from her role as Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts and Recreation, and Lela Evans’ removal as Minister of Health.Article contentArticle contentArticle contentMINISTER BARBOURArticle contentIn a media scrum following Thursday’s announcement, Wakeham said his decision to appoint Barbour Minister of Environment, Conservation and Climate Change was an attempt to streamline government services.Article contentBarbour had faced criticism on a number of occasions while holding the tourism portfolio.Article content“Previously I had environment linked in with Municipal Affairs, and when we looked at that we literally had municipal affairs reporting to two different ministers, one being responsible for the infrastructure piece and the other being responsible for the other parts. So we thought it would be better for all if we had one minister responsible,” he said.Article content Andrea Barbour.Article contentWakeham said having a dedicated minister responsible for environment will facilitate environmental assessments that will be an integral part of mining and hydroelectric development projects on the horizon in Labrador.Article contentWakeham said Barbour’s background in environmental affairs made her the ideal choice for the role. The background information included as part of Thursday’s news release indicates Barbour studied Physical Geography and Integrated Coastal and Ocean Management at Memorial University and worked as a Physical Scientist specializing in water management, pollution policy and ecological science.Article contentArticle contentLELA EVANSArticle contentMHA for Torngat Mountains Lela Evans had a heavy load in cabinet which was lightened considerably on Thursday. She was removed from three roles that she previously held: Minister of Health and Community Services; Minister of Mental Health and Addictions; and Minister Responsible for Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services.Article contentEvans remains Minister of Labrador Affairs, Minister of Women and Gender Equality, and Minister for Indigenous Affairs.Article contentWakeham said the decision was designed to allow Evans to focus on consulting with communities in Labrador as major projects like the Churchill Falls-Gull Island hydroelectric expansion get underway.Article content“As the minister responsible for Labrador Affairs and Indigenous Affairs, the responsibilities for that department are going to be significant in the coming years and the coming decade,” he said. “Her focus will be on Labrador and the impacts there.”Article content“We want to go to Labrador, we want to meet with all the stakeholders. And we want to listen to some of the opportunities that they tell us are there, to talk about some of their concerns about what their needs are.”