REGINA – Ralph Goodale’s career in federal politics began as a backbencher with Pierre Trudeau’s Liberals in 1974. Now 41 years later the Toronto Star is reporting the Regina-Wascana MP is expected to be named deputy prime minister and House leader when Canada’s 42nd Parliament begins on Wednesday.
Since the Liberals won a majority mandate it has been speculated that Goodale will serve as an important piece of prime minister-designate Justin Trudeau’s cabinet, but the veteran MP remains tight lipped.
“We’ve had a number of conversations both in person and over the email,” said Goodale. “What we talked about will remain between us. When any announcements will be made those will be for the Prime Minister to make.”
Goodale has a wealth of cabinet experience; serving as minister of finance, agriculture and agrifood, natural resources, along with public works and government services.
He was also appointed to the Queen’s Privy Council.
Once Parliament resumes, Goodale said that he plans to get to work on a number of economic issues.
“We’ve made a number of commitments about a middle class tax cut for example, about improving the Canada Child Benefit, about major investments in infrastructure, and in better access to post secondary education. All of those things contribute to a bigger, healthier, more prosperous economy.”
This is Goodale’s eighth term as a MP and with 150 new members of the Liberal caucus his experience is expected to play a valuable role starting on November 4th.
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