Quebec Premier Philippe Couillard has announced his new cabinet, with some familiar faces making a return and a few big changes.

It was the first cabinet shuffle since the Liberals took office with a majority in 2014.

Speaking after the swearing-in on Thursday morning, Couillard said his new cabinet is talented and dynamic.

"Quebec is doing better and we will do even better," he said.

Couillard said the focus will remain on building Quebec's economy.

Carlos Leitao remains as finance minister and Gaetan Barrette continues as health minister, while Robert Poëti, the former transport minister, is out of the cabinet completely.

Pierre Moreau will take over the crucial education file from François Blais who will take on the labour and social solidarity portfolios.

Moreau was not present for the swearing-in and was taken out of the National Assembly on a stretcher. Radio-Canada is reporting he suffered from a severe migraine.

Martin Coiteux is leaving as president of the treasury board and taking over the municipal affairs and public security portfolios.

Newcomer Dominique Anglade, a former member of Coalition Avenir Québec, is the new economy minister — the second woman to ever hold the position.

She is joined by Rita De Santis, who is also new to cabinet, taking on ​access to information and democratic reform.