Brian Pallister, Manitoba cabinet sworn in

After nearly17 years of New Democratic Party dominance, the Progressive Conservatives under Brian Pallister were officially sworn in as Manitoba'snew government today.

The ceremony, which beganat at 10a.m. CT,wasofficiated by Manitoba Lt.-Gov.Janice Filmon at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights.

A spokesperson for Pallister said the PC leader chose the downtown Winnipeg museumfor the ceremony after being at the museum before last month'stelevised leaders'debate.

"It was on that evening that the idea of utilizing this inspiring and symbolic space for the swearing-in of a potential new governmentbegan to form,"the spokesperson said.

The museum was picked as a "recognition of the importance of trust, compassion, common sense, inclusion and teamwork as we take on the challenging task of puttingManitobaback on track."

The ceremony began with a traditional greeting by an elder. The Winnipeg Youth Chorus group Enharmony also performed.

Cabinet unveiled

The event marks nearly two weeksof speculation since the PCs' victory in April as to who will be in Pallister's cabinet.

Pallisterpromised acabinet of 12 downfrom theNDP's19 yet he has a historic-sized caucusof 40members from which to chose.

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Paul Thomas, professor emeritus of political studies at theUniversity of Manitoba, has spoken withformer premiers about choosing a cabinet.

"They say it's the toughest part of the job:looking somebody in the face and saying, 'You know,you've done a really good job as our designated critic on this particular policy field, but at this round of cabinet appointments, at least,I am going to have to leave you outside,'" Thomas said.

Thomas said Pallister has a lot of considerations to balance, given the limited spots available, and will have to blend veterans and newcomers into the cabinet.

Thomas speculated that Tuxedo MLA Heather Stefanson, Steinbach representative Kelvin Goertzen and Charleswood's Myrna Driedger would all be good bets for top spots such as finance, justice and health.

Former Winnipeg city councillor Scott Fielding may also land a spot.Traditionally, a member from Brandon is a lock for a cabinet position as well, Thomas added.

Thomas believes Pallister has to include a mix of urban and rural members, as well asmixparty stalwarts who represent both the more ideological parts of his party with more progressive elements.

Pallister hassaid thatgender parity in his cabinet is important.

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Dropping the number of cabinet ministers to 12 does not mean the work of government is necessarily reduced. Departments will be melded together and Thomas saidthat has an effect on the civil service.

"You don't know where you are going to be sitting the next dayand who is going to be your deputy minister. And we are getting some departures in the ranks of deputy ministers and all of that is creating some uncertainty not so much about job securitybut, 'Will I be able to have my ideas matter in this new structure?'"Thomas said.

Thomas saidthe first priorities of the Pallister government will likelybe to focus on the spring session and preparea budget. The incoming premierwill also have to appoint somecommittee chairs andcaucus positions and selectsome legislative assistants, he said.