Health Minister and Steinbach MLA Kelvin Goertzen has had his heavy workload reduced. Premier Brian Pallister this week announced that Rossmere MLA Andrew Micklefield would become the Conservative Government's new House Leader. Goertzen says he is relieved but also has mixed emotions after serving the past seven years as House Leader for the party.

"I really enjoyed being House Leader over the last number of years, both in opposition and now for the first stretch in government. I like the house stuff. I actually enjoy dealing with other parties and building relationships there. So, on the one hand, I'm sorry to see that work go. But, on the other hand, yes, I'm very happy to see the work go in the sense that there are a lot of things to do in the Department of Health that consume at least 12 hours a day."

Goertzen says, during the last session, he frequently had to attend meetings as Health Minister while the House was in session. He adds the House Leader should be in the House during that time and the move this week 

Andrew Micklefield will fix that.

"The Premier recognized that and he recognized that early on when I was appointed as Health Minister."

He notes Micklefield has a local connection as he was formerly a pastor at Calvary Chapel in Steinbach. Goertzen has been mentoring Micklefield over the past few months and expects he will perform well in the role.

"While I'm proud of the work that I did as House leader of the past many years, I also know that new eyes bring a new perspective and, sometimes, bring a better perspective."