ST. JOHN’S, N.L.—Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Dwight Ball was officially sworn in again Thursday, with a slate of familiar faces stepping back into the cabinet roles they held before last month’s provincial election. Ball’s Liberal government was re-elected May 16 with a minority government, winning 20 of a possible 40 seats. Still to come, though, is a judicial recount in Labrador West, where NDP newcomer Jordan Brown unseated Liberal Graham Letto by a five-vote margin. Former backbencher Brian Warr is the sole new face in cabinet, sworn in as minister of education and early childhood development, replacing former minister Al Hawkins, who was not re-elected. Ball defended his decision to leave his old cabinet largely intact, touting the ministers’ “experience, consistency and stability.” “It’s important to have that level of experience when you’re debating that budget,” Ball said.

Source: thestar May 30, 2019 20:03 UTC