NEW CABINET CHARGED WITH PROTECTING CANADA’S FUTURE IN A TIME OF GLOBAL ECONOMIC INSTABILITY

October 30, 2008

OTTAWA – Prime Minister Stephen Harper today appointed a new federal Cabinet charged with protecting Canadians in a time of increasing global economic instability.

“While the fundamentals of Canada’s economy remain stronger, more stable and more durable than those of many other nations, it is clear that we are not immune to what happens outside our borders,” said the Prime Minister. “That is why the central responsibility of our new mandate will be to ensure that Canada’s businesses and families have the security they need to weather any global economic storm.”

As part of the strong economic focus of the new Cabinet, the Prime Minister announced that key economic portfolios would remain in the hands of cabinet veterans, including Jim Flaherty, who will remain Minister of Finance. At the same time, the Prime Minister welcomed several first-time Cabinet ministers who will bring a broad range of experience to the Cabinet table.

“This will be an experienced, economically focused Ministry that is prepared to immediately get to work in the interests of Canadians,” said the Prime Minister. “This is the right team for these times. We will build a foundation of strength that will protect the earnings, savings and financial security of Canadians and ensure that Canada emerges from this time of global turmoil stronger than ever before.”