Just for the fun of it, here are my predictions for Cabinet. I took all of Martin’s positions and eliminated or merged those I think Harper may do to trim down the size.
(click to enlarge)
Total Ministers (not including Prime Minister): 29
Male/Female Ratio: 22/7
By Province:
Ontario: 10
Alberta: 6
Quebec: 3
British Columbia: 5
Manitoba: 2
Saskatchewan: 1
Newfoundland: 1
Nova Scotia: 1
New Brunswick: 0
PEI: 0
Territories: 0
Believe me, I tried to be more fair, but with so many new MPs and some provinces electing so few Conservatives, it was tough.
Points to note: I chose Gordon O’Connor for Defence/Vet Affairs because of his experience. People who feel his background as a lobbyist prohibit him, should remember that the Accountability Act is there to prevent senior public servants from going into lobbying, not the other way around.
I gave Peter McKay both the ACOA portfolio and HRDC for a couple of reasons. A big part of what Alberta wants is to let Eastern Canada know that there is lots of money and jobs in Alberta. HRDC ties in well with ACOA to help get Canada on track as far as unemployment goes. A good east coast boy like McKay should be able to really help pull the east out of the funk and help tie Alberta oil knowledge to that of the East Coast drilling programs. It would also be really cool to see McKay get ex-sweetheart Belinda’s job.
I have the Ministers of Internal and International Trade as Rona Ambrose and Russ Hiebert for a reason. They may be interchangeable as Russ has international trade experience and Rona speaks three languages and has a prominent role. I wouldn’t even be surprised to see the two positions/two Ministers merged in a way to better promote our regional specialties at a global level.
Helena Guergis’ background with women’s issues and assistance programs would make her ideal for Social Development. She lives close enough to Toronto to be familiar with the big city environment where much of this program operates but she is far enough away to understand the rural/aboriginal concerns with this portfolio. (I am not sure but by her name I am guessing Miss Guergis is of Greek descent which is a plus on the minority side. As some of you know, I have a soft spot for Greeks, being one myself).
Agriculture was a toughie. But to get another Manitoban in, I chose Inky Mark who has agri-experience. The common choice out there for other predictions is Diane Finley, but Diane has such experience that she would be great at tying various departments together. Being close to Harper she would be instrumental in making issues get resolved across Ministries to Harper’s desire.
I was going to drop the Democratic Renewal portfolio, but with so many issues coming up with regard to this subject, I think Harper is going to leave it as a standalone for now under the watchful eye of Scott Reid.
Finance. What do do about Finance? Many believe Monte doesn’t have the background to qualify him for this key post. I have a short list of reasons that I think he is.
a) He is not working alone. The man has a staff who did a darned good job in opposition going through the books to keep the Liberals on their toes. Advisers with lots of letters behind their names will be standing there with him.
b) He has shown he understand the portfolio enough to bounce second questions at Ministers in QP. With his quick thinking, sharp mind, and wit, the Finance Minister better be swift or a smooth opposition can make them look bad on a daily basis. Monte is superior to almost every other MP in this regard. (James Moore and Pierre Poilievre being two other Tories to watch in QP)
c) He looks so smart in those glasses.
Now, the prediction you have all been waiting for.
Seattle 27, Pittsburgh 19
I also predict Shawn Alexander will have 140 yards rushing, 2 TDs.
Feel free to comment on either prediction.