Premier Tony Wakeham named Mike Goosney as Minister of Labour on Oct. 29 as part of a cabinet shuffle following the Progressive Conservative Party’s recent election victory in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Goosney, who represents the district of Humber – St. George’s, brings experience from the skilled trades sector. He holds Red Seal Certification as a steamfitter and pipefitter and worked as a steelworker before entering politics.
The new minister previously served on the Apprenticeship Board for Red Seal Certification and participated in trade expert workshops across multiple cities.
Cabinet responsibilities
Goosney will also serve as Minister of Government Services, Minister Responsible for the Office of the Chief Information Officer, and Minister Responsible for WorkplaceNL, the province’s workplace health, safety and compensation board.
“Our team has the right combination of veteran experience and new energy to deliver a better, brighter future for all of us,” said Wakeham in a statement.
Political background
Before his election to the House of Assembly in 2025, Goosney served as mayor of Deer Lake from 2021 to 2025. He was first elected to Deer Lake town council in 2017 after previously serving as a councillor in Labrador City.
In 2023, Goosney obtained his real estate license and worked as a realtor before entering provincial politics.
Other cabinet appointments
The 14-member cabinet includes several ministers with portfolios affecting workplace policy.
Barry Petten, who worked as a mental health counsellor for 20 years, will serve as Deputy Premier and Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure. He was president and chief shop steward of Local 6234 before entering politics.
Paul Dinn takes on the education and skills development portfolio as Minister of Education and Early Childhood Development and Minister of Advanced Education and Skills. He worked in public service senior management for over 30 years.
The cabinet was sworn in as Wakeham’s Progressive Conservative government prepares to implement its platform focused on healthcare, tax policy and public safety, according to the premier.
