During a cabinet shuffle announced Tuesday, Premier Heather Stefanson revealed that Interlake-Gimli MLA Derek Johnson is replacing Lakeside MLA Ralph Eichler.

Johnson was previously Minister of Municipal Relations.

Eichler took over the role of Minister of Agriculture and Resource Development in July of 2021. He also served as Agriculture Minister from 2016 to 2019.

Bill Campbell, President of Keystone Agricultural Producers (KAP) released the following statement:

“KAP congratulates Derek Johnson on his appointment to cabinet as the Minister of Agriculture. As the MLA for Interlake-Gimli and as a former municipal councillor, Minister Johnson understands the challenges facing Manitoba’s agricultural industry and we look forward to working with him.

KAP would also like to thank Ralph Eichler, outgoing Minister of Agriculture and Resource Development. We have valued Minister Eichler’s desire to grow the industry through his various roles in public office and wish him the best.”