The Yukon government announced a major ministerial shuffle this morning, resulting in the largest cabinet in territorial history.

The overhaul comes in the wake of backlash against departmental decisions on affordable housing and strained relations with First Nations, environmental supporters and teachers.

“I do believe that changing leadership positions is a very good thing for government,” said Premier Darrell Pasloski, one of only two big portfolio heads to hold onto his file — Finance.

“The shuffle builds on our strengths while still maintaining our stability in government. The benefit is both to our members in terms of their personal growth but also in terms of the people that we represent,” he told the Star today.

Pelly-Nisutlin MLA Stacey Hassard was the only backbencher to earn promotion to cabinet, taking over Economic Development from Currie Dixon.

Sworn in this morning, Hassard adds a “rural voice” to the body and brings experience in outfitting and small business to the table, Pasloski said.

Vuntut Gwitchin MLA Darius Elias moves into the role of caucus chair and government House leader, but remains outside the cabinet wall.

“He’s a very passionate member who vehemently supports his constituents,” the premier said.

Brad Cathers, the beleaguered former head of Community Services and the Yukon Housing Corp., got the bump from both those files. He is now in charge of Justice and the Yukon Development Corp. and Yukon Energy Corp.

He was also demoted to deputy House leader, replaced in the top spot by Elias.

The Lake Laberge MLA took heat throughout the fall legislative sitting for cancelling at the last minute three affordable housing projects after protests from landlords’ and realtors’ associations in June 2014.

“Certainly what I don’t do is make decisions based on political grandstanding by the opposition or other levels of government,” Pasloski said.

He noted the energy file will carry significant responsibilities, with one of the largest capital works in the territory’s history now under discussion as a next-generation hydro project.

Former Health minister Doug Graham is taking on a different major portfolio: Education. Relations between the department and teachers and parents are at low ebb, with the Yukon Teachers Association complaints of “stonewalling” and unilateral decision-making from officials, lack of training in new respectful workplace protocols and a general sense of acrimony among all parties.

Minister Scott Kent held onto Energy, Mines and Resources and took over Highways and Public Works from Wade Istchenko, who has moved to Environment.

The government’s tensions with First Nations and green groups have rarely been higher this century, as the Peel case continues in the Yukon Court of Appeal after a bitter fight over its future last year.

The government’s suggested amendments to federal environmental legislation and the Yukon’s regulatory regime have not eased relations.

Elaine Taylor took over Tourism and Culture, Currie Dixon moved to Community Services and Mike Nixon switched to Health and Social Services.