Lisa Dempster’s portfolio got thicker yesterday when she was sworn-in as Minister of Children, Seniors and Social Development, Minister responsible for the Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation, the Status of Persons with Disabilities and for the Multi-material Stewardship Board.

Dempster was also named Minister of Municipal Affairs and Environment, a portfolio formerly held by Graham Letto.

However, that may not hold up for long. A judicial recount is now underway in Labrador West where only five votes determined Jordan Brown’s NDP victory.

Premier Ball says he is holding the Municipal Affairs portfolio for Letto as they await the results of the judicial recount.

He anticipates the recount will happen somewhere around June 19th. Then, if Letto is successful, he will go back into his role as Minister responsible for Municipal Affairs and Environment; if not, Ball will make a decision on who the next Minister will be.

Dempster says the heavy workload will be challenging, but she’s up for it.

She says it’s a big portfolio but she’s humbled the Premier offered it to her. While she is new to the portfolio, Dempster has been in cabinet for two years, and has a background in municipal politics.