Big roles need filling in cabinet shuffle

By Laura Payton, CBC News Posted:May 16, 2011 2:19 PM ET

Prime Minister Stephen Harper is expected to fill some major cabinet roles this week, including the minister of foreign affairs and the minister in charge of Canada's public service.  With six portfolios needing a new minister, including three front bench roles, this will be one of the biggest cabinet shuffles in years.  Harper has been cautious in his recent cabinet shuffles, preferring incremental changes that fill gaps without touching the bulk of cabinet. But between retirements and election losses, he will be forced to move or appoint at least six new ministers this time around.  The big jobs are foreign affairs minister, after incumbent Lawrence Cannon was defeated, treasury board president, formerly filled by Stockwell Day, who retired, and transport, which was held by Chuck Strahl until his retirement this spring.
--------
Don Quixote Note: With 2 BC Ministers (Day & Strahl) retired, Harper will have to look to the B.C. Backbenchers to replace these senior Ministers.