The NDP is questioning government’s commitment to women and gender equality following the decision to assign the Women and Gender Equality portfolio to Health Minister Lela Evans.

The New Democrats say Evans is already responsible for five departments, including the health portfolio which represents the province’s largest and most complex department in the province.

MHA Sheilagh O’Leary says balancing six ministerial portfolios is “an overwhelming workload” and she says if women and gender issues were a priority for government, then responsibility should be assigned to a minister with a lighter workload to ensure they receive the attention they deserve.

O’Leary says the PC election platform included a promise to introduce new gender pay equity legislation, which she says requires “meaningful consultation with unions and women’s advocacy organizations.”