December 12, 2003ImmediatePrime Minister Paul Martin announced a new Ministry today, committing that it will be guided by a new attitude and new approach in working toward real progress on the priorities that matter most to people."As Prime Minister, I look forward to the opportunity to rally Canadians toward a new sense of national purpose and around a new agenda of change and achievement," said Prime Minister Martin. "We are going to change the way things work in Ottawa in order to re-engage Canadians in the political process and achieve demonstrable progress on our priorities."Prime Minister Martin emphasized that his government will focus on achieving results in three core areas: Strengthening our social foundations in order to protect those things critical to our personal well-being such as health care and lifelong learning; Building a 21st century economy in order to foster growth and create high quality, well paying jobs; and Ensuring Canada's independent role in the world as one of pride and influence in order to advance our values and promote Canada's independent voice abroad. Prime Minister Martin also emphasized that he will introduce a number of reforms to the way House of Commons affairs are conducted in order to provide Canadians with more responsive government. "We must restore Canadians' trust that their government is listening to them. This is best done by confirming Parliament as the centre of national debate and renewing the capacity of Parliamentarians - from all parties - to shape policy," stressed Prime Minister Martin. In order to reassure Canadians that the new government is committed to ethical conduct and transparent financial management, a number of measures have been adopted. Specifically, the Prime Minister announced that there will be revisions to the Guide for Ministers and an updated Conflict of Interest and Post-Employment Code for Public Office Holders. Both documents will be released following the first meeting of the new Cabinet tomorrow. Highlights of both documents are outlined below. The Prime Minister also announced an ongoing program of expenditure review. In addition, a series of changes have been made to the structure and organization of government in order to deliver better policy results and more effective, more accountable administration. Among other initiatives, a new Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness has been named to secure the safety of Canadians and protect against or respond to national crises, natural disasters and security emergencies; a new Public Health Agency will be created to better address public health risks such as communicable and infectious disease and to coordinate national response to health crises; and the former department of Human Resources Development Canada has been split into new departments - the Human Resources and Skills Development Department and the Department of Social Development, to create two strong proponents of social policy in the Ministry, each with a clear, forward looking mandate. "I want to lead an effective government. A focused government. A caring government. Above all else, I want to lead a government that makes a positive difference in the lives of Canadians," said the Prime Minister. -30- This document is also available at the following address: http://pm.gc.ca
