This morning in a ceremony at Government House, the Honourable Tony Wakeham, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, announced changes to his Cabinet. Following the new Churchill River agreement, these changes position the Provincial Government for the next phase: delivering major projects, unlocking opportunity in Labrador, improving services, reducing red tape and making government work more efficiently, while still delivering on the core promises of better health care, lower taxes and safer communities.
The following ministers have taken on new portfolios or new responsibilities:
• The Honourable Barry Petten is appointed as Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs, Registrar General, Minister of Community Engagement, and Deputy Government House Leader, in addition to his existing duties as Deputy Premier, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, and Minister of Public Procurement.
• The Honourable Craig Pardy is appointed as the Minister Responsible for the Office of the Chief Information Officer, in addition to his existing duties as Minister of Finance, President of Treasury Board, Minister of Seniors, Minister Responsible for the Public Service Commission, and Minister Responsible for the Newfoundland and Labrador Liquor Corporation.
• The Honourable Lloyd Parrott is appointed as Minister of Government Services, Minister of Red Tape Reduction, Minister of Labour, and Minister Responsible for Workplace NL, in addition to his existing duties as Government House Leader and Minister of Energy and Mines.
• The Honourable Chris Tibbs is appointed as Minister of Social Supports and Well-Being, Minister of Housing, Minister of Poverty Reduction, and Minister Responsible for the Status of Persons with Disabilities.
• The Honourable Joedy Wall is appointed as Minister of Health and Community Services, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, and Minister Responsible for Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services.
• The Honourable Andrea Barbour is appointed as Minister of Environment, Conservation and Climate Change, and Minister Responsible for the Multi-Materials Stewardship Board.
• The Honourable Mike Goosney is appointed as Minister of Tourism, Culture and Arts, Minister of Sport, Recreation and Parks, Minister Responsible for PictureNL, Minister Responsible for the Newfoundland and Labrador Arts Council, and Minister Responsible for the Pippy Park Commission.
Biographies are included in the backgrounder below.
Quote
“We have a strong team of Cabinet ministers who each bring a wealth of knowledge, experience and a deep commitment to the people of Newfoundland and Labrador. I thank all members of Cabinet for their dedication and tireless service. Over the past 295 days, our team has worked together to deliver better health care, lower taxes, and safer communities. With a new and better deal for Churchill Falls secured and Bay du Nord moving forward, our province stands at a pivotal moment. I know this Cabinet will continue to work hard every day to make life better for all of us.”
Honourable Tony Wakeham
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador
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BACKGROUNDER
Honourable Barry Petten
Barry studied at Memorial University for three years prior to graduating with a diploma in Business Management and Accounting from the College of the North Atlantic.
Barry was a mental health counsellor for 20 years, served on various boards including; Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Social Workers and Municipal Appeals Board.
He was also President and Chief Shop Steward of Local 6234. Barry was first elected in 2015. Barry resides in Conception Bay South with his wife and two daughters.
Honourable Craig Pardy
Craig grew up in Catalina before moving to Milton in 1989, where he and his wife Mary raised their four children and continue to reside today. Craig began his teaching career in 1983, working in Lethbridge, Catalina, and Musgravetown before becoming Principal of Clarenville Middle School. Over his 30-year career in education, he was known for his dedication to student success and inclusion, earning recognition with an Award for Inclusive Education. Beyond the classroom, Craig devoted countless hours to extracurricular activities, often found coaching school sports such as volleyball and serving as a coach in Clarenville minor hockey. He retired from teaching in 2013.
His commitment to community extended beyond education. Craig served as Chair of the Clarenville and Area Co-operative and, in 2013, became the Chairperson of the Milton–George’s Brook Local Service District. When the community was incorporated as the Town of Milton–George’s Brook, Craig became its first Mayor in 2018, helping to guide the town’s early development with steady leadership and a collaborative spirit.
Craig was first elected to the House of Assembly on May 16, 2019. In the House of Assembly, he has served on both the Management Commission and the Audit Committee, bringing his experience in education, local government, and community service to the work of representing the people of Bonavista District.
Honourable Lloyd Parrott
Lloyd was raised in Wabush. After a career in the Canadian Military as both a Soldier and a Civilian that spanned 21 years, he became the General Manager of a successful construction company that specialized in oil and gas.
He has sat on multiple community boards, been very involved in labor relations provincially, and a trustee on a health and welfare plan.
He is a former Town Councilor for the Town of Clarenville. On May 16, 2019, he was first elected MHA for the District of Terra Nova.
Honourable Chris Tibbs
Chris was born in Grand Falls-Windsor where he resides with his wife Danielle and his two sons Declan and Xander. Chris has worked province-wide as a paramedic before going on to study tourism in Dublin, Ireland. For the past 15 years Chris has traveled between Newfoundland and Labrador and Western Canada working in the oil and gas sector.
Honourable Joedy Wall
Joedy was first elected to the House of Assembly on March 25, 2021. Prior to his election, he served as Mayor of Pouch Cove for seven years.
He has served on the Board of Directors of the Jack Byrne Regional Sport and Entertainment Centre for seven years. Joedy has also served on the North East Avalon Joint Council, a board which represents 21 municipalities in the region.
For 25 years, Joedy has worked as a Group Home Counsellor for those living on the autism spectrum.
Joedy is supported by wife Teena, son Zach and daughter Kristen.
Honourable Andrea Barbour
Andrea was born and raised in St. Anthony. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Physical Geography from Memorial University and a Graduate Diploma in Integrated Coastal and Ocean Management from the Marine Institute.
She dedicated 16 years to the Federal Government of Canada, serving across Newfoundland, Alberta, and the Arctic. Andrea worked as a Physical Scientist specializing in water management, pollution policy and ecological science, and contributed to drafting the Water Regulations for Nunavut. She later served over a decade as a Border Services Officer in both Air and Marine modes, enforcing Canada’s federal acts with fairness and integrity.
Honourable Mike Goosney
Mike was first elected as the Member of the House of Assembly for the District of Humber – Gros Morne in 2025. A dedicated public servant and community leader, Mike has built a career rooted in hard work, collaboration, and service to others.
Before entering provincial politics, Mike served in municipal politics. He was a town councillor in Labrador City before moving to Deer Lake, where he was first elected to council in 2017 and went on to serve as Mayor from 2021 to 2025. Mike also played a key role as a founding member of the Deer Lake Health and Wellness Committee, an initiative promoting active living and community well-being.
Professionally, Mike is a trained steamfitter/pipefitter and holds Red Seal Certification in the trade. He spent many years working as a steelworker. Mike has also served on the Apprenticeship Board for Red Seal Certification and participated in trade expert
workshops in multiple cities, contributing to the advancement of training and certification standards for trades professionals.
In 2023, Mike obtained his real estate license and built a successful career as a realtor.