Newfoundlanders and Labradorians can look forward to real action from a new cabinet focused on delivering better healthcare, lower taxes and safer communities under the leadership of Premier Tony Wakeham.

“We must use the opportunity in front of us to make a difference and deliver positive change so that more Newfoundlanders and Labradorians can achieve their dreams right here at home,” said the Premier. “Our team has the right combination of veteran experience and new energy to deliver a better, brighter future for all of us.”

The Cabinet team includes:

• Premier, President of Executive Council, and Minister for Intergovernmental Affairs – Honourable Tony Wakeham
• Deputy Premier, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, and Minister of Public Procurement– Honourable Barry Petten
• 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 – Honourable Craig Pardy
• Minister of Health and Community Services, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, Minister Responsible for Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services, Minister of Labrador Affairs, and Minister of Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation – Honourable Lela Evans
• Minister of Municipal and Community Affairs, Registrar General, Minister of Community Engagement, Minister of Environment, Conservation, and Climate Change, and Minister Responsible for the Multi-Materials Stewardship Board – Honourable Chris Tibbs
• 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 – Honourable Andrea Barbour
• Minister of Government Services, Minister Responsible for the Office of the Chief Information Officer, Minister of Labour, Minister Responsible for WorkplaceNL – Honourable Mike Goosney
• Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development, and Minister of Advanced Education and Skills – Honourable Paul Dinn
• Minister of Justice and Public Safety, Minister of Women and Gender Equality, Attorney General, Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Disaster Management, Minister Responsible for Access to Information and Protection of Privacy, and Minister Responsible for the Human Rights Commission – Honourable Helen Conway Ottenheimer
• Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture – Honourable Loyola O’Driscoll
• Minister of Forestry, Agriculture and Lands, and Minister of Crown Lands – Honourable Pleaman Forsey
• Minister of Jobs and Growth, Minister of Rural Development, Minister of Immigration, and Minister of Francophone Affairs – Honourable Lin Paddock
• Minister of Energy and Mines, Government House Leader – Honourable Lloyd Parrott
• Minister of Social Supports and Well-Being, Minister of Housing, Minister of Poverty Reduction, Minister Responsible for the Status of Persons with Disabilities, and Deputy Government House Leader – Honourable Joedy Wall

“My promise to all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians is that, no matter where you live and no matter how you voted, our team is going to work hard to deliver the better healthcare, lower taxes and safer communities you deserve,” said the Premier. “This will be a government for all of us and I can’t wait to get to work.”

Biographies included in the backgrounder below.

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BACKGROUNDER

Biographies

Honourable Tony Wakeham
Born in Placentia, Newfoundland and Labrador, Tony Wakeham’s passion for his province and its people runs deep. With a background in business and a commitment to public service, he has dedicated his career to driving positive change and growth in his community.

First and foremost, Tony and his wife Patricia are proud to call Kippens their home. They enjoy spending time with their two adult children, Stephanie and Christopher, along with their grandchildren, Nico, Henry, and Emma.

After an extensive career working for the people of Newfoundland and Labrador through senior positions province-wide in healthcare, finance, and the Office of the Auditor General, Tony was elected to serve the people of Stephenville – Port au Port as their MHA on May 16, 2019.

In 2023, Tony was elected Leader of the Progressive Conservative Party of Newfoundland and Labrador.

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 Lela Evans
Lela Evans was born and raised in Makkovik, Labrador. Lela is proud of her Inuit ancestry, and a proud member of the 2SLGBTQ+ community. Lela graduated from Memorial University with a Bachelor of Science, Honours degree. Prior to becoming a MHA, she spent 20 years in the construction, exploration, and mining industries working in the fields of environment, health, and safety.

Throughout her career, Lela has played a strong leadership role in promoting environmental stewardship and workplace safety. Lela was also a founding member of the board of directors of Restoration of Labrador Exploration Sites (ROLES) Inc. with a mandate to clean up abandoned mining exploration sites in Labrador.

Lela has always been very active in supporting and preserving her Inuit culture and knowledge, serving for many years as a member of the board of directors of the St. John’s Native Friendship Centre (now First Light) and working in a liaison role between Memorial University and the Labrador Inuit Association (now Nunatsiavut Government). More recently Lela served as the Chairperson of the Inuit Advisory Committee at the Vale Newfoundland and Labrador Vosiey’s Bay site.

She was first elected to the House of Assembly as the Member for Torngat Mountains on May 16, 2019.

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 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.

Honourable Paul Dinn
Paul was elected as MHA for Topsail-Paradise in a by-election held January 24, 2019. Originally from St. John’s, Paul has called Paradise home for close to 30 years. Paul and wife Jennifer have three daughters and are active volunteers in the community.

Paul is a graduate of Memorial University obtaining bachelor’s degrees in Commerce and Education.

He worked over 30 years in public service as senior management and served as Deputy Mayor with the Town of Paradise. He is a supporter of community involvement and building a district for the people.

Honourable Helen Conway Ottenheimer
Helen was born and raised in Marysvale. She was elected to the House of Assembly as the Member for Harbour Main on May 16, 2019. Prior to becoming a MHA, Helen graduated from Memorial University with a Political Science degree and Detroit College of Law with a Law degree.

She practiced Criminal Law and Human Rights Law for 17 years and teaches law at Canadian universities including Memorial University. She currently resides with her husband, John Ottenheimer in Marysvale.

Honourable Loyola O’Driscoll
Loyola is the MHA for the District of Ferryland was first elected on May 16, 2019. A lifelong resident of Bay Bulls, Loyola lives there with his wife, Yvette, and is a proud father and grandfather to Ryder and Noah. He has dedicated much of his life to strengthening the communities that span from Petty Harbour–Maddox Cove to St. Shotts.

Loyola’s passion for community service began long before his time in provincial politics. His first foray into public life came in 2009, when he was elected as a municipal councilor in Bay Bulls. Deeply involved in local recreation and youth development, he has volunteered extensively with the Bay Bulls–Bauline Athletic Association, minor hockey, and power skating programs—both as a coach and in administrative roles. In recognition of his commitment to community and sport, Loyola was honoured with the Volunteer of the Year Award by the Bay Bulls – Bauline Recreation Association.

An accomplished athlete, Loyola is a five-time Herder Memorial Trophy Champion in senior hockey and a proud former member of the Southern Shore Breakers. The teamwork, discipline, and leadership he developed on the ice continue to guide his approach to public service today.

Before entering politics, Loyola built a successful 22-year career with Hickman Automotive, where he was consistently recognized as one of the company’s top salesmen. He began his professional career in sales with Harvey and Company, developing a reputation for integrity, hard work, and dedication to customer service.

Honourable Pleaman Forsey
Pleaman was born and raised in Leading Tickles and in 1976 moved to Bishop’s Falls with his family.

After graduating at Inglis Memorial in Bishop’s Falls, he continued to study post-secondary at Grand Falls District Vocational School and continued to work in the private sector.

In 2017, he was selected as citizen of the year for the Town of Bishop’s Falls.

Mr. Forsey and his spouse Linda reside in Bishop’s Falls and together they raised three children. He was first elected as a Member of the House of Assembly for the district of Exploits on May 16, 2019.

Honourable Lin Paddock
Lin is a native of Robert’s Arm and a distinguished graduate of the Collège Militaire Royal with an honors degree in business. Throughout his esteemed career in the Canadian Armed Forces, he held senior leadership roles, supporting both humanitarian and combat missions. Lin was recognized with three military operational commendations: a Naval Commendation for logistics support in the Arabian Gulf, a second Naval Commendation for coordinating support after the fire onboard HMCS Chicoutimi, and the prestigious Chief of the Defence Staff Commendation for his financial leadership across 23 international missions, including the Afghanistan War.

Upon returning home, Lin served as the Executive Director of the Aerospace & Defence Industry Association of Newfoundland and Labrador and led sales at Virtual Marine. A Certified Professional Accountant, Lin is also a graduate of the Command and Staff College in Toronto and holds an honors Master’s degree in Public Administration. He remains deeply committed to advancing economic development in the province.

Honourable Lloyd Parrott
Lloyd Parrott 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 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, Wall has worked as a Group Home Counsellor for those living on the autism spectrum.

Wall is supported by wife Teena, son Zach and daughter Kristen.