Delta-Richmond East MP Kerry-Lynne Findlay has moved up to a senior position in the Conservative government's biggest cabinet shuffle yet.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced Monday his new cabinet, one that features eight new ministers, including Findlay, a first-term MP who was moved from associate minister of national defence to minister of national revenue.
"I am very proud to assume my new duties as minister of national revenue and I am thankful for the responsibility that Prime Minister Stephen Harper has bestowed upon me. I look forward to continuing the work of our government to create jobs, stability and long-term growth for all Canadians," she said in a statement.
Findlay also thanked everyone at the Department of National Defence and the men and women of the Canadian Armed Forces for their support during her tenure there as associate minister.
Findlay's new responsibilities will include overseeing the Canada Revenue Agency, which administers tax laws for the government and for most provinces and territories, as well as various social and economic benefit and incentive programs delivered through the tax system.
"It's a very large department and, of course, spread out across the country. It's not just about collecting taxes, it's about tax policies and we've brought in a lot of tax credits for families and those kinds of issues I'll be working closely with the minister of finance," she told the Optimist in a phone interview.
Asked if she was surprised by her rise in the ranks in just her first term in Ottawa, Findlay noted the prime minister might be pleased with her communications and other skills that she's shown, as well as her background in law.
Commenting on the many new faces in cabinet, the prime minister said, "These changes to the ministry feature both younger members of Parliament ready for new opportunities, and steady hands that will continue to deliver strong leadership in key portfolios. In particular, I am proud to welcome four new strong and capable women to the cabinet table."
Harper bypassed mainstream media Monday by announcing the new cabinet on his official Twitter account, tweeting each of his ministers and their portfolios.
The prime minister also announced he will outline a "renewed policy agenda" this fall with a speech from the Throne.
"We have a good economic record. We created almost a million net new jobs since the depth of the recession and a lot of that has to do with, of course, tax policy and I'm looking forward to furthering that," Findlay added.
