Manitoba's new Premier announced Wednesday that a speech from the throne is expected to be delivered on November 23rd.

Heather Stefanson, who became Manitoba's first female Premier, also announced Wednesday that Steinbach MLA Kelvin Goertzen will resume his role as Deputy Premier, minister of legislative and public affairs and government house leader. Goertzen had been interim Premier for two months prior to Tuesday.

Stefanson says as a top priority, a task force to clear the surgical and diagnostic backlogs and to enhance Manitoba's intensive care unit capacity will be established in the coming weeks.

"The COVID-19 pandemic has created and exposed new challenges in our health-care system and our economy, and our team is committed to taking immediate action to address these challenges," says Stefanson. "I am truly excited and optimistic about the future of our province and I look forward to unveiling our agenda - focused on reconciliation, health care, education, the economy and jobs - for a healthier and stronger post-pandemic Manitoba."

The 42nd legislature is expected to begin on November 23rd and rise on December 2nd.