THUNDER BAY – The New Democrats have unveiled their shadow cabinet. Thunder Bay is left without either Bruce Hyer MP (Thunder Bay Superior North) or John Rafferty MP (Thunder Bay Rainy River) in the shadow cabinet.
Hyer was the critic for Small Business and for Tourism in the previous parliament, as well as deputy critic for Climate Change, Water, and National Parks.
Rafferty was the critic for International Development, International Co-operation, and CIDA as well as deputy critic for Heritage, Forestry, and Cultural Industries.
“This is a talented and diverse shadow cabinet,” said NDP leader Jack Layton. “Canada’s new Official Opposition represents the breadth of Canadian life. My team is ready to roll up their sleeves and get to work on the important issues facing Canadians.”
After electing a record number of MPs from Quebec, Layton appointed 42% of his shadow cabinet from Quebec including: Tom Mulcair as House Leader; Nycole Turmel as National Caucus Chair and Critic for Public Works; Alexandre Boulerice as Treasury Board critic; and Hoang Mai as Revenue Critic. In the days to come, Layton will also be announcing deputy critic roles for a number of his new caucus members from Quebec.
Women will fill key roles in the Layton Shadow Cabinet, making up 40% and playing leadership roles on two of the most pressing issues facing the next parliament: the budget and health care. Layton appointed Toronto MP Peggy Nash as his new Finance Critic and veteran BC MP Libby Davies as Health Critic, with responsibility for leading the fight to preserve the future of public health care in Canada. Chris Charlton was named the New Democrats new Opposition Whip.
“On May 2, Quebecers sent a message to Ottawa that they want a seat at the table. Now they certainly have a seat at my shadow cabinet table,” said Layton. “Our new team combines the best of Canada from coast to coast to coast – and we are primed and ready to work together to move this country forward.”