Stephen Harper shuffles his cabinet

NEWS RELEASE

OFFICE OF THE PRIME MINISTER

************************* PM announces changes to the ministry

OTTAWA, ON (January 19, 2010) - Prime Minister Stephen Harper today announced changes to the Ministry in preparation for a Speech from the Throne and the implementation of Phase II of Canada’s Economic Action Plan.

“Just as it was this past year, our priority in the new session of Parliament will continue to be rapid and effective implementation of Canada’s Economic Action Plan to benefit communities, workers and businesses,” said the Prime Minister.

“Investments in infrastructure and initiatives to protect existing jobs and create new ones must continue. At the same time, we must look ahead to future challenges. These include restoring a balanced budget once our economy is fully recovered and building our economic future.”

In keeping with the cabinet’s economic focus, the prime minister announced that key economic portfolios would remain with veteran cabinet ministers.

The prime minister thanked the Honourable Greg Thompson, MP (New Brunswick Southwest), for his service as minister of veterans affairs.

Notable changes to the ministry include the appointment of the Honourable Christian Paradis as minister of natural resources and the Honourable Stockwell Day as president of the Treasury Board and minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway.

“Minister Paradis has demonstrated the ability to manage complex and challenging files,” said the prime minister. “He will bring this experience to bear on the demanding nuclear file.”

“As we prepare for the return of balanced budgets once the economy has recovered, it will be essential for government to live within its means,” said the prime minister. “I am assigning this task to Minister Day, one of the most senior members of the cabinet and a former provincial treasurer who has distinguished himself in every portfolio he has held.”

The prime minister also welcomed the Honourable Rob Moore to the ministry, where he will serve as minister of state (small business and tourism).

“This is an experienced team that will stay the course on our government’s stimulus plan while working to ensure Canada emerges from the recession with a stronger economy to meet tomorrow’s challenges,” said the prime minister.

Biographies

The Honourable Christian Paradis, minister of natural resources

Mégantic–L'Érable (Quebec)

Christian Paradis was first elected to the House of Commons in 2006 and re-elected in 2008.

Mr. Paradis was appointed secretary of state (agriculture) in January 2007.

He was also appointed minister of public works and government services in June 2008.

Prior to his election to Parliament, Mr. Paradis had a legal practice specializing in corporate law.

He has been actively involved in several support groups and charitable organizations, including the Rotary Club of Thetford Mines.

Mr. Paradis graduated from the University of Sherbrooke in civil law and holds a graduate degree in corporate law from Laval University.

Mr. Paradis and his wife Julie have three children.

The Honourable Stockwell Day, president of the Treasury Board and minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway

Okanagan–Coquihalla (British Columbia)

Stockwell Day was first elected to the House of Commons in 2000 and re-elected in 2004, 2006 and 2008.

In February 2006, Mr. Day was appointed minister of public safety and in October 2008, he was named minister of international trade and minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway.

From 1986 to 2000, he represented Red Deer North in the Alberta Legislature, where he served in the Progressive Conservative government in a variety of senior roles, including chief whip, government house leader, minister of labour and minister of social services.

From 1997 to 2000, he was provincial treasurer (minister of finance) and acting premier.

Upon his election in 2000, he was named leader of the official opposition and remained in this role until December 2001.

Prior to his election, Mr. Day was a school administrator.

He is a member of the Royal Canadian Legion and the Rotary Club.

He and his wife, Valorie, have three sons and 13 grandchildren.

The Honourable Rob Moore, minister of state (small business and tourism)

Fundy Royal (New Brunswick)

Rob Moore was first elected to the House of Commons in 2004 and re-elected in 2006 and 2008.

He was appointed parliamentary secretary to the minister of justice and Attorney General of Canada in February 2006.

Mr. Moore has been a member of several legislative committees of the House of Commons, including the Legislative Committee on Bill C-2 (Federal Accountability Act) and the Legislative Committee on Bill C-27 (Dangerous Offenders Act).

He has a bachelor of arts in business administration and a bachelor of laws from the University of New Brunswick.

He was called to the New Brunswick Bar in June 2000.

Mr. Moore was born in Gander, Newfoundland, in 1974.

He and his wife Melinda currently live in Quispamsis with their two daughters.

PHOTO CAPTION: Prime Minister Stephen Harper signs the oath book following the swearing-in of the new ministry at Rideau Hall.

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