By Denis Carmel
With the Conservatives appointing their so-called shadow cabinet, the list of critics is now complete.
As with cabinet, these appointments seem to defy rationality but the portfolios we are focused on are not front bench appointments, so we have to be careful in our analysis.
Conservatives: Major changes and focus on the parliamentary joust
Alain Rayes was moved to official languages, but mostly as Québec lieutenant – a promotion up from Heritage.
To replace him, we see the young Ontario MP, John Nater. Although it can be seen as strange, we see that he is quite versed in parliamentary procedure, so he might have been chosen to lead the charge in opposing the three pieces of legislation the Liberals have promised to introduce within 100 days of victory (or more probably, 100 days from the appointments of the ministry): the modernization of the Broadcasting Act, online harms, and legislation to provide fair compensation for news organizations by online platforms.
The first two will face tough resistance in the House and committee. The lack of familiarity with the issues could be compensated by procedural craftmanship, especially since the chair of the Heritage Committee who ran the committee well is no longer in the House.
Nater will face Pablo Rodriguez, who was government House leader and was also Heritage minister, but some argue he did not shine in those portfolios.
At Industry, we see Ed Fast appointed to replace Pierre Poilievre, who is back at Finance. An aggressive debater, Poilievre had lost his portfolio shortly before the election, possibly to soften the Conservative image. Fast who had been minister of international trade under Stephen Harper, brings seriousness and gravitas.
The conservative critic for Rural Economic Development & Rural Broadband Strategy, Lianne Rood, was elected in 2019 and had been a political assistant of the MP she replaced, Bev Shipley.
NDP: Some change
Former Heritage critic, Heather McPherson becomes deputy whip and critic for Foreign Affairs and International Development, a clear promotion but she remains deputy critic for Canadian Heritage.
Peter Julian remains House leader and becomes Canadian Heritage critic. He also brings a solid understanding of parliamentary procedures.
Rachel Blaney, the whip will also be the critic of Rural Economic Development, while Brian Masse remains as the critic for Innovation, Science and Industry.
Bloc: No change
Sébastien Lemire remains at Industry and Martin Champoux at Heritage, where he was quite efficient in committee, where he was able to pass amendments to make the legislation meet the needs of powerful Québec stakeholders.
Lemire’s claim to fame is having shared images of a Liberal MP who had forgotten to turn off the camera of his computer during a Zoom call.
We note the House will resume its business on Nov. 22, with the election of the Speaker as the first order of business and then the reading of the Speech from the Throne.
