Prime Minister Stephen Harper today announced the following changes to the Ministry at a swearing-in ceremony at Rideau Hall:
- The Honourable David Emerson, as Minister of Foreign Affairs, continues his work to strengthen Canada's place in the world and to promote Canada's values of freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law;
- The Honourable Michael Fortier, in becoming Minister of International Trade, will keep advancing Canada's trade interests in the Americas and around the world to open up new markets for Canada's innovators;
- The Honourable Christian Paradis becomes Minister of Public Works and Government Services and continues his important work in support of one of Canada's key industries as Secretary of State (Agriculture); and
- The Honourable James Moore becomes Secretary of State (Asia-Pacific Gateway) (2010 Olympics) (Official Languages). Mr. Moore is a fluently bilingual British Columbian who is well suited for these assignments.
"With these small but important changes to the Ministry, we will continue to build on our record of achievement over the past two and a half years. We will also continue to deliver the strong leadership Canadians expect and deserve."
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The Honourable David Emerson
Minister of Foreign Affairs
Vancouver Kingsway (British Columbia)
David Emerson was first elected to the House of Commons in 2004 and was named Minister of Industry in July 2004. He was re-elected in 2006. On February 6, 2006, he was appointed Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Pacific Gateway and the Vancouver-Whistler Olympics. Mr. Emerson was also assigned responsibilities for Foreign Affairs on May 26, 2008.
In 1975, Mr. Emerson joined the Government of British Columbia, becoming the province's Deputy Minister of Finance in 1984. In 1986, Mr. Emerson left government to become President and CEO of the Western and Pacific Bank of Canada. Four years later, he returned to the provincial government as Deputy Minister of Finance, then Deputy Minister to the Premier, and later President of B.C. Trade Development Corporation.
In 1992, Mr. Emerson was appointed to lead the newly created Vancouver International Airport Authority. In 1998, he was appointed President and CEO of Canfor Corporation.
Mr. Emerson was born in Montreal and raised in Grande Prairie. He attended the University of Alberta and obtained his bachelor's and master's degrees in economics. He then went on to Queen's University where he received his doctorate in economics.
Mr. Emerson and his wife, Theresa, have two children. Mr. Emerson also has three grown children.
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The Honourable Michael Fortier
Minister of International Trade
Quebec
Michael Fortier was appointed Minister of Public Works and Government Services on February 6, 2006. He was appointed to the Senate on February 27, 2006. Prior to that, Mr. Fortier worked in the legal and banking fields.
In 1985, he joined the Montreal office of the law firm Ogilvy Renault, specializing in securities, mergers and acquisitions. From 1992 to 1996, he managed the firm's office in London, England, where he was responsible for business development in the United Kingdom, France and Germany.
In 1999, Mr. Fortier began a career in banking when he joined Credit Suisse First Boston as managing director and senior advisor and head of its office in Montreal. In 2004, he was hired by TD Securities as Managing Director (Quebec).
Mr. Fortier has been active in politics for many years. He was a candidate for the leadership of the Progressive Conservative Party in 1998 and ran for the party in the 2000 general election. He co-chaired Stephen Harper's national leadership campaign in 2004 when Mr. Harper became leader of the Conservative Party of Canada. He also co-chaired the Conservative Party's national campaigns during the 2004 and 2006 elections.
Mr. Fortier was born and raised in Québec City. He possesses a law degree (L.L.B.) from l'Université Laval.
Mr. Fortier is married to Michelle Setlakwe and has six children.
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The Honourable Christian Paradis
Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Secretary of State (Agriculture)
Mégantic–L'Érable (Quebec)
Christian Paradis was first elected to the House of Commons on January 23, 2006. He was appointed Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Natural Resources in 2006, and was a member of the Standing Committee on Natural Resources and the Legislative Committee on
Bill C-30, Canada's Clean Air Act. Mr. Paradis was appointed Secretary of State (Agriculture) in January 2007.
Prior to his election to Parliament, Mr. Paradis had a legal practice focusing on corporate law in Thetford Mines, Quebec. He served as President of the Asbestos Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Secretary of the Management Club of Canada (Asbestos Chapter). He has been involved in several support groups and charitable organizations.
Mr. Paradis was born and raised in Thetford Mines. He has a bachelor=s degree in civil law from the University of Sherbrooke and a master=s degree in corporate law from Laval University.
Mr. Paradis is married to Julie Roberge and has three children.
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The Honourable James Moore
Secretary of State (Asia-Pacific Gateway) (2010 Olympics) (Official Languages)
Port Moody–Westwood–Port Coquitlam (British Columbia)
James Moore was first elected to the House of Commons in 2000 and was re-elected in 2004 and 2006. He was appointed Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Public Works and Government Services in February 2006 and was assigned additional responsibilities for the Pacific Gateway and the Vancouver Whistler Olympics in April 2006.
Previously, Mr. Moore served as Critic for Transport. His parliamentary experience also includes periods as Critic for Sport, for Public Works and Government Services, and Deputy Critic for Foreign Affairs and National Revenue. Mr. Moore has been a member of the standing committees on Government Operations and Estimates, on Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development, and on Environment and Sustainable Development.
Mr. Moore was born in New Westminster and raised in Coquitlam. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in political science from the University of Northern British Columbia.
