Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s newly appointed cabinet selections are being applauded by Kamloops-Thompson-Cariboo MP Cathy McLeod.
“It is a great combination of experienced hands at the helm, especially in terms of some economic issues and our finance minister, in keeping some consistency there; but also it’s an opportunity for young men and women – a nice blend of experienced and new.”
McLeod says she is “very pleased” her Conservative government has achieved the highest level of female cabinet minsters ever seen, at slightly over 30 per cent.
“I have never believed in having quotas – I think things need to be based on merit – but as more and more women enter politics, more and more opportunities are becoming available. So, I think it’s a great shift and, hopefully, one day we will see even more.”
Despite her aversion to quotas, the local MP explains she’d like to see the country strive toward a balance in cabinet representation similar to the demographics of men and women in Canada.
“I think that as we provide opportunities for women to achieve success in politics, we’ll be moving in that direction.”
There are eight new ministers – half of them women – and some others stayed in cabinet, but with shifted roles.
The new female faces in cabinet are Shelly Glover, Michelle Rempel, Candice Bergen and Kellie Leitch, while the new male ministers are Chris Alexander, Pierre Poilievre, Kevin Sorenson and Greg Rickford.
Pushed out are Peter Kent, Senator Marjory LeBreton, Diane Ablonczy, Ted Menzies, Steven Fletcher, Keith Ashfield and Gordon O’Connor.
However, McLeod says there remains good representation from British Columbia with no losses for the province in this cabinet.
Port Moody-Westwood-Port Coquitlam MP James Moore is the new Industry minister, moving over from his role as former minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, she adds.
“Industry is an incredibly important portfolio. Where we are going with the wireless industry is important, especially when British Columbia, of course, has large rural areas.
“I think minister Moore, not only as the regional [representative] for British Columbia, but in his role in industry, will be a great addition for [this province].”
Delta-Richmond East MP Kerry-Lynne Findlay went from former Associate Minister of Defence to become the new Minister of National Revenue, and Vancouver Island North MP John Duncan is now the party whip.
McLeod notes B.C. MPs retaining their previous portfolios are Minister of State for Seniors Alice Wong and International Trade Minister Edward Fast.
“It’s a pleasure to see the eight new ministers. I congratulate them and look forward to working with them, and certainly on behalf of the constituents of Kamloops-Thompson-Cariboo.”
