Harper names new ministers in cabinet shuffle

There are eight new faces in the federal cabinet this afternoon, including four women. Prime Minister Harper has introduced the government team to take the conservatives into the next election.

Today’s cabinet shuffle the biggest since Harper took power in 2006.

Several key players will keep their positions. Jim Flaherty will retain the pivotal role of Finance Minister, while John Baird retains his Foreign Affairs post.

Harper has also announced that Gerry Ritz will keep his position in Agriculture, Tony Clement will stay at the Treasury Board, Joe Oliver in Natural Resources, and Peter Van Loan as House Leader. Meanwhile, in a bit of a surprise, Peter Mackay and Rob Nicolson will swap places, with Mackay going to Justice and Nicholson going to Defence.

Among the four new female faces are Shelley Glover, an MP from Manitoba who will be the new Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages.

Kellie Leitch, an Ontario MP who is also a medical doctor, will be the Minister of Labour and Minister of Status of Women.

Candice Bergen, who was the government’s lead voice in the dismantling of the gun registry, will become the Minister of State for Social Development.

Calgary MP Michelle Rempel, the youngest Conservative caucus member, will be the Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification.

Toronto-area MP Chris Alexander got one of the big promotions of the day, being named new Minister of Citizenship and Immigration.

LisaHepfner has more details.