(Facebook/Darlene Rowden MLA Batoche Constituency)

By Nigel Maxwell

Cabinet shuffle

Rowden excited to take on role as Environment Minister

Dec 12, 2025 | 2:00 PM

One of Saskatchewan’s newest cabinet ministers says news of the promotion is still very much sinking in.

Batoche MLA Darlene Rowden has been named the province’s environment minister, taking over from Travis Keisig.

“Even [Thursday] with the swearing in ceremony, it was sinking in then, and you have a few people referring to you as Minister Rowden, and it’s odd at first, but it’s starting to settle in,” she said.

Acknowledging the steep learning curve that comes with the promotion, Rowden said she looks forward to working closer with the Premier and the other cabinet members.

One of her first orders of business may be a proposed pipeline project.

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A recent memorandum of understanding signed by the Alberta and Federal governments commits the two parties to working together on building a pipeline to the West Coast, and the federal government could adjust the tanker ban to make it happen.

Premier Scott Moe has called it a positive announcement, saying it’s the first step in an opportunity to build a significant piece of infrastructure. He added it could create wealth for Canadians, open up export opportunities to places like India and expand production even in Saskatchewan.

When asked about her position on pipelines, Rowden replied that she supports the Sask Party government’s growth plan.

“I look forward to engaging with industry and stakeholders, and I want to realize their needs and their opportunities in this area,” she said, adding she’s also a firm supporter of the government’s duty to consult with First Nations and Metis people.

(Facebook/Darlene Rowden MLA Batoche Constituency)

Prior to being elected last year, Rowden was a board member with the Sask Rivers public school division. She also has a background in farming. She and her husband are fourth generation cattle ranchers, and their children are in the industry too.

“We are champions of the environment we are lucky to hold,” she said.

The other new ministers include Mike Weger (Weyburn-Bengough) who will serve as minister of community safety in a portfoilio previously known as corrections, policing and public safety.

Chris Beaudry (Kelvington-Wadena) will take over the Ministry of Energy and Resources; Kim Gartner (Kindersley-Biggar) heads to the Ministry of Highways; and Sean Wilson (Canora-Pelly) will serve as minister for SaskBuilds & Procurement.

– with files from 650 CKOM

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nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @nigelmaxwell