Richard Brown, right, is sworn in as minister of environment, energy and forestry by Alan Rankin, clerk of the executive council, as Lt.-Gov. Barbara Hagerman looks on. (CBC)

In his first cabinet shuffle since taking office in May 2007, P.E.I. Premier Robert Ghiz on Tuesday removed Richard Brown from the Innovation Department, where he has been dealing with a controversial immigration program.

Brown was replaced by Allan Campbell, previously in Fisheries.

Brown moves to the Department of Environment, Energy and Forestry, replacing George Webster, who moves to Agriculture. That portfolio had been held by Neil LeClair, who moves to the Fisheries, Aquaculture and Rural Development Department.

There are no new faces in the cabinet.

As innovation minister, Campbell will take charge of the controversial Provincial Nominee Program.

The PNP drew fire this year when it came out that about 2,000 potential immigrants were processed through it this year, putting up more than $400 million meant for investment in Island businesses. The program has been criticized over questions about the quality of the companies being invested in, the lack of involvement of the immigrant investors in the companies, and the fact that some government MLAs and senior civil servants have received money from it.

In a news release, Ghiz downplayed any potential suggestion that ministers were being moved because of their performance in their portfolios.

"I have always been very clear that re-assignment of Cabinet duties will take place on a fairly regular basis," said Ghiz.

"I am very fortunate to have a very strong and capable team from which to draw, and I believe these changes will be very positive for Prince Edward Island."

The ministers were sworn into the new portfolios in a ceremony at Government House.