MLA Ron Schuler took to Twitter after the premier announced he was removed from his ministerial role, saying "liberty has its price, today I paid mine."

Minster Reg Helwer is adding two more titles to his job description.

In an evening email statement, Premier Heather Stefanson says the MLA for Springfield-Ritchot, Ron Schuler, will no longer be the minister of infrastructure and minister responsible for the Manitoba Emergency Measures Organization (EMO).

Reg Helwer, MLA for Brandon West and Minister of Central Services will take up these roles.

“I am confident in Minister Helwer’s ability, dedication and leadership skills to take on the new role as Manitoba faces a surge in COVID-19 cases and Manitobans are asked to take every possible step to help limit the spread of this virus, including getting fully vaccinated, limiting their close contacts and following the fundamentals and public health orders,” Stefanson says in the statement.

In the same statement, Hewler says "it is an honour to accept this appointment and I look forward to continuing to support our whole-of-government approach to protect Manitobans and our health-care system during this difficult time."

Stefanson is expected to make a cabinet shuffle in the new year.

 

Schuler's response

Schuler has previously been criticized for his silence on his COVID-19 vaccine status. He is presumed to be fully vaccinated, as he is able to attend the legislative building, which requires full vaccination.

In November, Schuler's assistant died of COVID-19.

"Liberty has its price, today I paid for mine," Schuler tweeted after the announcement.

His Twitter account, @Min_Schuler, has been deleted but his @RonSchulerMLA account is active.

In his last press conference as the infrastructure minister, Ron Schuler answered questions about why he would not reveal his vaccine status. He said he told people calling about vaccine advice that he has "minister in front of his name, not a doctor." Up until Thursday, Schuler was responsible for the Manitoba Emergency Measures Organization, which included the province's COVID-19 emergency measures. 

The Official Opposition has been vocal about wanting Schuler removed from the cabinet. Manitoba NDP Leader Wab Kinew responded to Schuler's tweet, saying "Typical anti-vaxx nonsense from someone who should never had a seat at the cabinet table during a pandemic."

Kinew also tweeted asking if Stefanson would remove him from their caucus.