The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
Prime Minister Paul Martin announced his new Cabinet yesterday, blending experienced ministers with a host of newcomers. "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 Martin. "This Cabinet was created to hit the ground running ? to provide dependable, spirited administration, to deliver real progress on the issues that matter most to Canadians." The Prime Minister's two most senior ministers, Finance Minister Ralph Goodale and Deputy Prime Minister Anne McLellan, remain in place. Among those also remaining in the same portfolios are Reg Alcock at the Treasury Board and the Canadian Wheat Board; Irwin Cotler at Justice and the Attorney-General's Office; and Carolyn Bennett at Public Health. They will join new faces like former B.C. premier Ujjal Dosanjh as Health Minister; hockey legend Ken Dryden as Minister of Social Development; and Scott Brison with Public Works. The new Cabinet immediately drew criticism from both Conservative leader Stephen Harper and NDP leader Jack Layton. Harper called the Cabinet "weak and inexperienced" and dominated by Liberals loyal to Martin. He also suggested the group would offer no new meaningful ideas. Layton offered similar comments and added he is troubled by the reduced number of women in the group. Layton announced his party's shadow cabinet last week. Harper reportedly plans to do the same on Thursday.
