Manitoba’s premier has named Justice Minister Heather Stefanson to a key cabinet committee that overseas government spending.

Brian Pallister was criticized by the NDP last spring for not including any women on treasury board.

On Monday Pallister announced that Stefanson has navigated many of the most complicated files facing his government in its first 100 days.

He says she will bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the treasury board committee.

Earlier this year Pallister defended the makeup of treasury board, saying he appointed the best ministers for the job.

Pallister says his Progressive Conservatives have inherited a challenging fiscal situation from the NDP that threatens his government’s ability to deliver the services and quality of life that people expect and deserve.

Stefanson is also Manitoba’s deputy premier.