By Graeme MacKay, The Hamilton Spectator – Tuesday July 16, 2013
Harper adds 8 new faces in major cabinet shakeup
A mix of young talent, veteran experience and more women at the cabinet table signals a “generational change” as the government prepares for a major policy reset with a fall speech from the throne, Prime Minister Stephen Harper said after unveiling his new inner circle.
The major cabinet makeover elevates eight MPs to the front bench — including four women — and creates new portfolios for multiculturalism and social development.
“I think this is a good mixture of some young and promising talent we have in our caucus and some experienced hands,” Harper said after the swearing-in ceremony at Rideau Hall on Monday morning.
Harper said the government will continue to focus on key priority areas — the economy and job creation, public safety, celebrating Canada’s history and promoting the country’s interests on the world stage. He touted the government’s economic record during a prolonged period of global uncertainty, and said new policy directions are on the way.
“This fall, the government will move ahead with a renewed policy agenda set forward in a speech from the throne,” he said. “And our new agenda will have new faces to bring it forward — the team Canadians elected in 2011 is deep and it is talented.”
Details of the sweeping overhaul were revealed through Harper’s Twitter account before the re-tooled inner circle was officially unveiled with traditional pomp and ceremony. (Source: CBC News)