Van Loan believes cabinet shuffle creates 'improved match'
By Bill Rea

The shuffled cabinet that Prime Minister Stephen Harper unveiled last week was an improvement over what was already in place, according to York - Simcoe MP Peter Van Loan.

Many of the ministers are keeping their jobs, including Van Loan himself, who stays on as Government House Leader and Minister for Democratic Reform, "which makes me happy," he said.

The shuffle did see Gordon O'Connor moved from Defence to National Revenue, Peter MacKay sent to Defence from Foreign Affairs, Maxime Bernier shifted to Foreign Affairs from Industry, Jim Prentice being shifted to Industry from Indian Affairs, Chuck Strahl going to Indian Affairs from Agriculture and Gerry Ritz getting a promotion from Secretary of State status to Minister of Agriculture.

Carol Skelton, who had announced she would not be seeking re-election, has gone from the National Revenue seat to the back benches of the House of Commons. Van Loan said that really wasn't a surprise, adding Skelton's pending departure left Harper with the chance to move new talent up to the table.

He also pointed out that apart from some modest adjustments, Harper has made no significant changes to his cabinet since he formed his government early last year.

"I think it's a very good cabinet," he said. "I think there's an improved match to people and their talents."

Van Loan also observed that O'Connor is strong when it comes to material acquisition, but MacKay will do well with communications in the Defence portfolio.

"I think they're all very good matches," he added

There had been speculation that Finance Minister Jim Flaherty might be switching responsibilities, but that didn't happen. And that pleased Van Loan too. He pointed out the federal budget is balanced, the national debt is down about $22 billion and unemployment is at a 33- year low. "I hope we're staying the course," he declared.

But Oak Ridges - Markham MP Lui Temelkovski was not impressed with Harper's moves.

"He's trying to shuffle himself out of trouble, but nothing will help," he commented. "I think Canadian have figured him out."

Temelkovski added Harper seems to be trying to run everything himself, so it doesn't make a lot of difference who's in what cabinet post.

"It doesn't really matter," he said. "He'll tell them to keep quiet, give them the talking points and that's it."