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By Curtis Galbraith

Federal Politics

Warkentin slams new federal cabinet

Nov 21, 2019 | 2:18 PM

Grande Prairie Mackenzie MP Chris Warkentin says the new federal cabinet has what he terms “failed ministers” reappointed, ones who especially failed Western Canadians.

He adds there is nothing in the new cabinet that shows the Prime Minister listened to the messages sent during the election.

“The Prime Minister returns to Parliament with a significantly-reduced government. It is a minority government. There is an expectation that the Prime Minister would respond to the signal and the messages that Canadians sent. This cabinet shuffle is definitely no indication that he’s listening, no indication that he’s learned a thing.”

Warkentin says the Natural Resources file, one that needed a strong voice to get pipelines built and to protect the oil and gas industry, has been given to what he calls “one of the most incompetent ministers in history. “

“Seamus O’Regan, of course, was criticized as Indigenous Minister when he was seen to be completely out of touch with the issues and the challenges that First Nations people were facing. He was also punted from Veterans Affairs when he was unable to deal with the issues at Veterans Affairs.”

He adds the Conservatives are “disturbed” that Marie-Claude Bibeau is back as Minister of Agriculture. Warkentin charges that Bibeau was seen as a failure and someone out of touch with farmers in Western Canada.

Warkentin goes on to says it is sad that Jim Carr is fighting cancer, but adds time needed for treatment means he will be away from the job as the new special representative for the Prairie provinces.

“His appointment as a signal to the West that there is a desire to have a better relationship sends no signal whatsoever because we know that Jim will be off the job. We wish him the best in his recovery, but we wish the Prime Minister would appoint somebody who would be available and active on the file in the next weeks and months.”

Warkentin also wishes Chrystia Freeland the best is her new roles as Deputy Prime Minister and Intergovernmental Affairs Minister, another appointment seen as reaching out to the West. Warkentin says Freeland has not been a defender of the West before but would welcome that if it happened now. Freeland grew up in Alberta and was born in Peace River. Her riding is in Toronto.