Humboldt-Watrous MLA Donna Harpauer is about have a more in-depth look at municipal government.

Harpauer was announced as the new Minister of Government Relations in the cabinet shuffle announced by Premier Brad Wall on Tuesday.

"You're looking at the revenue-sharing formula. There is always issues with our municipal governments," said Harpauer of one of her two new roles. "They look forward to any programming for water, sewer and infrastructure at the municipal level. There is also the responsibility of the disaster program known as PDAP."

In addition to Government Relations, Harpauer will also take on First Nations, Metis and Northern Affairs.

Harpauer says that while there will be an adjustment to her latest portfolios, she is also quite familiar with the duties involved.

"Every MLA works with their local municipality, so municipal affairs isn't unknown to us," explained Harpauer. "The First Nations file, quite frankly, when I had Education as well as Social Services, I was able to build a lot of relationships with First Nations leaders. This will just be continuing those relationships."

First elected in 1999 in the old Watrous riding, Harpauer has served as Humboldt's MLA since 2003.

As a then member of the opposition in her first two terms, she was the critic for Highways, Agriculture, Investment, Crowns and Transportation.

After the Saskatchewan Party government took office in 2007, Harpauer has been appointed as Minister of Social Services, Education, Crowns, as well as SGI and SLGA throughout her time.

Having served so many roles over 17-plus years in office, Harpauer says that there hasn't been one particular area that she has wanted over any other.

"I think this will be just another great portfolio to get to learn. The interesting thing with each and every one of them is the great people that you meet."

For the past two years, Harpauer served as the Minister of Social Services and Minister responsible for the Status of Women.


You can hear more with Harpauer below.