John Haggie and Krista Howell have effectively swapped jobs in Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador cabinet.
Haggie, who was Minsiter of Education has been appointed as the new Minister of Municipal and Provincial Affairs and Registrar General. Minister Haggie takes over the position from The Honourable Krista Lynn Howell, who has been reassigned to the Ministry of Education.
Haggie brings with him a long and illustrious career in the field of medicine in Newfoundland and Labrador. He began his practice as a general surgeon in St. Anthony with the Grenfell Region Health Services. His dedication and expertise led to his appointment as an attending surgeon of general and vascular surgery at James Paton Memorial Hospital in Gander in 1997. Later, in 2008, he assumed the role of Chief of Staff at the same hospital, further solidifying his reputation as a trusted medical professional.
Prior to becoming Minister of Municipal and Provincial Affairs and Registrar General, Haggie held the position of Minister of Health prior to being shuffled out in June of 2022. He was a notable face during the COVID-19 pandemic in the province.
Upon hearing the news of Minister Haggie's new appointment, Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador (MNL) expressed their anticipation of working closely with him in his new role as Minister of Municipal and Provincial Affairs. In a social media post, MNL stated, "MNL looks forward to working with the Honourable John Haggie in his new role as Minister of Municipal and Provincial Affairs, as we continue our work to support municipalities in their efforts to be safe, vibrant, sustainable communities."