Jerome Kennedy takes over health portfolio

Jerome Kennedy is the province's new minister of Health and Community Services, Premier Danny Williams announced today.

Kennedy was sworn in this afternoon at Government House in St. John's along with two other ministers.

Tom Marshall has been appointed Minister of Finance, President of Treasury Board, Minister Responsible for the Public Service Secretariat, and Minister Responsible for the Office of the Chief Information Officer.

Felix Collins, a new face to the cabinet table, was appointed Minister of Justice and Attorney General.

"I am pleased to announce today the addition of Felix Collins to our cabinet, as well as new portfolios for some of our current ministers," Williams said. "I want to thank both ministers Kennedy and Marshall for their outstanding work in their previous departments and I look forward to their continued contributions individually as ministers and collectively around the cabinet table."

Williams also announced that Dianne Whelan, Minister of Municipal Affairs, will serve as acting Minister of Transportation and Works effective immediately.

The swearing-in ceremony followed a surprise announcement this morning by Paul Oram who said he was leaving politics.

Oram, who had been the minister of health, said he is leaving politics due to health reasons and the intense media scrutiny he and his family faced.

"I thank Paul Oram for his tireless contribution to the public service and wish him the best in all his future endeavours," Williams said.