Thursday, January 4, 2007
Canadian PM Stephen Harper has shuffled his cabinet today.
The major change with this shuffle is Rona Ambrose, Minister of Environment, being replaced by Treasury Board President John Baird. When a reporter asked her earlier if she would be replaced she replied, “Yes — very excited.” Ambrose is the new intergovernmental affairs minister.
Vic Toews, the justice minister, is now President of the Treasury Board. Rob Nicholson, who was house leader, is now justice minister. Peter Van Loan, who was intergovernmental affairs minister, is now house leader. Monte Solberg, the immigration minister, replaces Diane Finley as Minister of Human Resources and Social Development. Diane Finley, loses the Human Resources portfolio and gets the Citizenship and Immigration ministry.
Six MPs were appointed “Secretary of State” roles, they are junior cabinet ministers. Secretary of States do not make part of the cabinet. These new Secretary of States are :
- Helena Guergis, MP for Simcoe—Grey, Secretary of State (Foreign Affairs and International Trade) (Sport);
- Jay Hill, MP for Prince George—Peace River, Secretary of State and Chief Government Whip.
- Jason Kenney, MP for Calgary Southeast, Secretary of State (Multiculturalism and Canadian Identity);
- Christian Paradis MP for Mégantic—L’Érable, Secretary of State (Agriculture) and
- Gerry Ritz, MP for Battlefords—Lloydminster, Secretary of State (Small Business and Tourism);
Marjory LeBreton who was the Leader of the Government in the Senate now also has the role of Secretary of State (Seniors).
The new cabinet still will consist of 27 ministers, 32 if you include the Secretaries.
A complete list of the new Ministers and Secretary of States is found at the Official office of the prime minister website.