Manitoba's new Minister responsible for Crown Agencies and Government House Leader doesn't see his change in duties a promotion or a demotion.

Spruce Woods MLA Cliff Cullen was part of Premier Brian Pallister's cabinet shuffle announced on Thursday.

“Obviously there are some challenges over in the crown agencies right now and we as a government were hired to deal with accountability and transparency and to deliver services efficiently and that includes crown corporations as well” said Cullen.

He'll be dealing with agencies like Manitoba Hydro, Manitoba Public Insurance and Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries.

“Our intent as government is to provide policy direction to make sure they implement policies that we feel is in the best interest of Manitobans. These crown corporations meaning they are owned by the people of Manitoba.”

Cullen expects to split his time between the crown agencies and his duties as house leader. “It's a challenging portfolio as well. The role of the house leader is to make sure the business of the government gets carried out.”

This was Cullen's first move since being named a government minister and he's taking a positive approach to the shuffle. “I just look at it as another responsibility within government. There's a lot of parts and moving parts to be looked after and what the Premier looks at is our strengths and how best they can be used.”

Cullen adds it will take time to settle into his new role and he will spend time meeting with people and getting up to speed on the issues. “Once the legislature resumes sitting in October the House Leader duties will clearly be very important” said Cullen.