Stephen Harper has unveiled the first cabinet of his majority government, bringing in several new faces and promoting veteran political pitbull John Baird to foreign affairs.
In the shuffle, Manitoba’s Vic Toews held onto his spot as Public Safety Minister, while the prime minister increased the size of the country’s board of directors by one member, tying it with Brian Mulroney’s cabinet as the biggest ever.
Finance Minister Jim Flaherty and Defence Minister Peter MacKay are among the other veterans keeping their posts.
Baird replaces Lawrence Cannon, who was defeated in the May 2 election.
Among the newcomers being sworn in at Rideau Hall are Peter Penashue – the lone Conservative from Newfoundland and Labrador – as intergovernmental affairs minister.
Maxime Bernier, one of only five Tories elected in Quebec, returns to cabinet in a junior role as minister of state for small business and tourism after a three-year exile.
He was booted from cabinet in 2008 after losing secret documents.
Rookie Ed Fast from B.C. is the country’s new trade minister.
- Mother of B.C. mass shooting survivor shares update, says breathing tube removed
- ‘A foreign policy based on short memory’: Carney continues push to diversify from the U.S.
- Carney says former prince Andrew should be removed from line to throne
- Canada and Japan sign partnership deal on defence, energy, trade
-
![]()
New Brunswick recognizes several women for their work towards gender equality -
![]()
Supreme Court of Canada rules refugees should have access to subsidized daycare in Quebec -
![]()
Pointe-Claire unveils monument to young boy who tragically lost his life at Terra-Cotta Nature Park -
![]()
Nova Scotians gathered in solidarity with Black and Indigenous voices after a week of budget protests
Comments
Want to discuss? Please read our Commenting Policy first.