Premier Andrew Furey has promoted a former cabinet minister as a parliamentary secretary.

Perry Trimper, the MHA for Upper Lake Melville, left the cabinet last year after getting into trouble with the Innu Nation for some uncomplimentary remarks which found their way to an answering machine.

He will be parliamentary secretary to the minister of education and the minister of finance, and will serve as special advisor to the Premier on climate change.

Parliamentary secretaries can make announcements and statements in the House of Assembly, respond to questions in the House, represent the department at public meetings or events and participate in the administration of department programs.