Prime Minister announces new Ministry
On July 20, 2004, Prime Minister Paul Martin announced a new Cabinet designed to deliver on the priorities critical to Canada’s continued prosperity and success.
July 20, 2004
Ottawa, Ontario
Prime Minister Paul Martin today announced a new Cabinet designed to deliver on the priorities critical to Canada’s continued prosperity and success.
“On June 28th Canadians told us that they expect more from our government and we have been guided by that message in building this new Cabinet,” said Prime Minister Martin. “Drawing on the experience of veteran ministers who have retained their responsibilities and the talents of new Ministers, we are determined to deliver tangible progress on those issues that matter most to Canadians and upon which we campaigned.”
The Prime Minister also emphasized the role that Parliamentary Secretaries will play in supporting the government’s agenda in the House of Commons and the Senate.
“Given the minority situation, Parliamentary Secretaries will more than ever play a critical role as a vital two-way link between Ministers and Parliamentarians from all political parties, in helping to advance the government’s legislative priorities in a constructive and responsible manner,” the Prime Minister said.
The Prime Minister indicated that very few changes were made to the structure or machinery of government so that attention can be focused on legislative and policy priorities. Among the few changes made were:
- The Prime Minister announced a new position of Minister of State (Infrastructure and Communities). This change will better position the government to advance its agenda for Canadian cities and communities in strong collaboration with partners across the country.
- The Prime Minister announced a new position of Minister of State (Families and Caregivers) in the Social Development portfolio. This position will ensure added attention to commitments made with respect to seniors, families and those who are asked to care for family members.
- The Prime Minister announced a new position of Minister of Labour and Housing, who will also be responsible for the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, to enhance the government's ability to partner with provinces, territories and municipalities, to provide affordable housing.
- The Priorities and Planning Committee of Cabinet has been dissolved and its responsibilities will be assumed by Cabinet and the Operations Committee.
Finally, the Prime Minister expressed his gratitude to departing Ministers for their contribution made to public service in Canada, including:
- The Honourable David Anderson, as Minister of the Environment;
- The Honourable Denis Coderre, as President of the Queen’s Privy Council for Canada, Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians, Minister responsible for the Francophonie, and Minister responsible for the Office of Indian Residential Schools Resolution;
- The Honourable Rey D. Pagtakhan as Minister of Western Economic Diversification;
- The Honourable Stan Kazmiersczak Keyes as Minister of National Revenue and Minister of State (Sport);
- The Honourable Robert Speller, as Minister of Agriculture;
- The Honourable David Pratt, as Minister of National Defence;
- The Honourable Hélène Chalifour Scherrer, as Minister of Canadian Heritage;
- The Honourable Gar Knutson, as Minister of State (New and Emerging Markets);
- The Honourable Denis Paradis, as Minister of State (Financial Institutions); and
- The Honourable Jean Augustine, as Minister of State (Multiculturalism and Status of Women).
A list of the full Ministry according to precedence, the amended Cabinet committee membership list and biographical notes of Ministers, Ministers of State and Parliamentary Secretaries are attached.
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