Health minister continues recovery

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 14/06/2021 (1670 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Health Minister Heather Stefanson has still not been given the go ahead by her doctor to return to work, a spokesman for the government said Monday.

On May 21, members of the legislature press gallery were informed that Stefanson on that day was undergoing a necessary medical procedure as recommended by the MLA for Tuxedo’s physician.

“As a result, she will be absent from her legislative duties for the remainder of the spring sitting while she recovers,” director of media relations and issues management Blake Robert said in an email at the time.

The spring sitting of the legislature concluded on June 1. During Stefanson’s absence, deputy premier Kelvin Goertzen has served as the acting minister of health and seniors care. There was no indication Monday of when she’d be able to resume her duties.

“Minister Stefanson continues to make good progress in her recovery at home,” Robert said Monday. “As indicated when her medical leave was announced, the timing of her return will be based on the advice of her physician. The minister looks forward to returning to work as soon as her physician advises that she is able to do so safely.”

Stefanson’s official Twitter account has remained active, posting updates on the province’s COVID-19 vaccine rollout and other government information almost daily.

Stefanson was sworn in as health and seniors care minister on Jan. 5 when Premier Brian Pallister overhauled the front bench of his cabinet. In the shuffle, she replaced Cameron Friesen who moved from the health portfolio to justice and attorney general, while Cliff Cullen shifted from justice to education, which Goertzen headed. Manitoba’s first Black cabinet minister — Audrey Gordon — was sworn in as minister of mental health, wellness and recovery.

carol.sanders@freepress.mb.ca