MP happy with cabinet shuffle

By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star - June 27, 2008

A shuffle to the Conservative cabinet in Ottawa has the blessing of Okanagan-Shuswap MP Colin Mayes. On Wednesday, Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced four changes to his cabinet, including for foreign affairs, international trade, public works and the Olympics.“The prime minister has made some positive changes,” said Mayes. David Emerson, MP for Vancouver-Kingsway, is the new minister of foreign affairs, replacing Maxime Bernier who resigned May 26. Mayes insists that Emerson proved himself in the international trade portfolio, and he is confident that Emerson can handle some of the more challenging aspects of foreign affairs, including Afghanistan and the U.S. “It’s a ministry that’s a reflection of the country and he’s a hard worker,” said Mayes. James Moore, MP for Port Moody-Coquitlam, is the new secretary of state for the Asia-Pacific gateway, the 2010 Olympics and official languages. “He’s a capable young man and he will do a great job for the country,” said Moore. The other cabinet changes are Quebec Senator Michael Fortier as international trade minister, and Christian Paradis, a Quebec MP, as minister of public works and government services. There has been considerable media attention about two high-level cabinet posts going to Quebecers, and Mayes believes it made sense for Harper to make the decisions he did. “The prime minister has to make sure he has a good balance within cabinet and representation from across the country,” he said. Four of Quebec’s 10 MPs are now in the federal cabinet. “We must recognize that they are the second largest province and we want to ensure Quebec is at the table,” said Mayes.