Critic says cabinet shuffle an admission of ineffectiveness from Trudeau

Aug 28, 2017 | 11:33 AM

KAMLOOPS — The MP for Kamloops-Thompson-Cariboo says the cabinet shuffle announced by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau this morning is an admission of ineffectiveness.

Among several moves this morning, Trudeau split the former Indigenous and Northern Affairs ministry into two, bringing former Health Minister Jane Philpott on board to join Minister Carolyn Bennett.

Cathy McLeod, who is the Official Opposition Critic for Indigenous Affairs, says the Liberal government is admitting its approach to indigenous relations hasn’t been working.

“What I think they’re recognizing is that have made a lot of significant promises to indigenous people in Canada, and they are really not delivering in a very effective way,” said McLeod.

“I think they recognize that they have huge issues with the portfolio, and have now created two. Hopefully they’re going to be making some progress because all Canadians want important progress on this file, and it’s not just going to be more bureaucracy and more difficulty to navigate for communities.”

Philpott has been recognized as one of Trudeau’s more effective ministers, and McLeod says there is hope for the government if that continues.

“It’s very important to have someone in this portfolio who is effective, who gets things done and is compassionate,” said McLeod. “I hope that Minister Philpott tackles this job because it is an important job. Certainly, we wish her the best and will continue to make sure we hold her to account.”