Modeling Journey

My cabinet predictions

Stephen Harper will have a lot of tough challenges ahead of him when he is selecting his new cabinet. Clearly we have a much deeper bench than previously. Here is a cabinet I put together for fun. I wanted to keep stability by leaving our strong ministers from last time where they are. I was also worried about regional, minority and gender representation. There are no surprises such as people crossing the floor or senate appointments. It will be interesting to see how close the real cabinet comes to this. I suspect similar players, but different positions. My cabinet also has a few extra positions than previous, but I suspect that is unlikely. Expect about 30 ministers with some secretary of states similar to previous Harper cabinets. Any feedback would be appreciated. I look forward to hearing who readers would recommend for the various posts. I highlighted York Region representation in bold.
-Darryl

Potential Cabinet

Prime Minister: Stephen Harper (ALB)

Deputy Prime Minister: Peter Van Loan (ONT)

Finance: Jim Flaherty (ONT)

Defense: Peter MacKay (NS)

Agriculture – Kelly Block (Sask)

Atlantic Canada – Gail Shea (PEI)

Heritage, Status of Women and Official Languages – Josee Verner (QUE)

Citizenship & Immigration – Jason Kenney (ALB)

Foreign Affairs – Peter Kent (ONT)

Environment – John Baird (ONT)

Fisheries & Oceans – Greg Thompson (NB)

Health – Tony Clement (ONT)

Veterans Affairs – Gordon O’Connor (ONT)

Human Resources & Social Development – Chuck Strahl (BC)

Indian Affairs & Northern Development – Leona Aglukkaq (NVT)

Industry, Science & Technology – Diane Ablonczy (ALB)

International Trade – Jim Prentice (ALB)

International Cooperation – Alice Wong (BC)

Justice – Rob Nicholson (ONT)

Labour – Jean Pierre Blackburn (QUE)

Quebec - Maxime Bernier (QUE)

House Leader and Whip - Peter Van Loan (ONT)

Minister for Ontario – Michael Chong (ONT)

Democratic Reform – Christian Paradis (QUE)

Senate Leader – Marjory LeBreton (ONT)

National Revenue – Vic Toews (MAN)

Natural Resources – Gary Lunn (BC)

Public Safety – Stockwell Day (BC)

Public Works – Diane Finley (ONT)

Intergovernmental Affairs – Lawrence Cannon (QUE)

Transport, Infrastructure and Communities/Minister for Toronto – Lisa Raitt (ONT)

Treasury Board – Bob Dechert (ONT)

Western Canada, Asia-Pacific Gateway, Wheat board and Olympics – James Moore (BC)

Multiculturalism & Identity – Bev Oda (ONT) or Deepak Obhrai (ALB)

Tourism & Small Business – Rona Ambrose (ALB)

Sport – Helena Guergis (ONT)