Fantino replaces Oda in surprise shuffle

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Fred Chartrand / THE CANADIAN PRESS Archives Julian Fantino is Canada�s new international co-operation minister. (CP)

OTTAWA -- A day after embattled cabinet minister Bev Oda announced she was stepping down from her post as international co-operation minister, Prime Minister Stephen Harper appointed Julian Fantino to the job.

Fantino, former chief of Toronto police, had been serving as associate minister of national defence.

He's being replaced in that portfolio by Bernard Valcourt, a minister from New Brunswick who'll continue his role as minister of state for Atlantic Canada and la Francophonie.

"These changes to the ministry ensure continuity as we focus on creating jobs, growth and long-term prosperity," Harper said in a statement.

"Mr. Fantino and Mr. Valcourt bring strong leadership experience to these important positions."

No notice was given of the swearing-in ceremony, which was held earlier Wednesday at Rideau Hall.

Fantino had previously been tasked with the complicated business of military procurement, including the controversy surrounding the purchase of new fighter jets.

Fantino stickhandled the F-35 file for the government until it was finally shunted into the hands of a government advisory committee.

Fantino, who now receives a promotion to a full ministerial post, was not immediately available for comment.

The issue of military procurement is far from dormant as the Canadian Forces seek to revitalize themselves in the face of billions in budget cuts.

Valcourt is a longtime Conservative who once served in former prime minister Brian Mulroney's cabinet.

"I am humbled to take on this responsibility as associate minister of National Defence, and look forward to serving all Canadians in this new role," Valcourt said in a statement.

"I look forward to working with ministers MacKay and Ambrose, as we ensure value for money at DND for military procurement."

Minister of Public Works Rona Ambrose is also responsible for the procurement file.

Liberal MP Carolyn Bennett said she doubts an associate defence minister is necessary, given the responsibility also lies with Public Works.

Bennett said the secret swearing-in ceremony suggests the ministers had no idea what was coming and won't be able to answer to their portfolios.

"The ministers don't even have to come out and scrum afterwards," she said.

The mini-shuffle was prompted by Oda's resignation Tuesday following intense pressure from the public and Tory caucus after being caught in a spending scandal earlier this year.

A spokesman for the prime minister said the slight shuffle is the end of changes for the ministry.

"There will be no other cabinet shuffles," Andrew MacDougall said via his Twitter account.

That puts to rest rumours in Ottawa ministers such as Peter MacKay and Vic Toews, both subjects of controversy, would be removed from their posts.

But the opening left by Oda isn't the only one Harper needs to fill.

As he prepares to retreat to his summer home on Harrington Lake, Harper's government is pockmarked with holes.

There are four vacancies in the Senate: one in New Brunswick, one in Nova Scotia and two in Ontario. Three more are expected by September in Ontario, Quebec and Newfoundland and Labrador.

And a patchwork of positions is open in the highest ranks of the bureaucracy and military.

A new chief of the defence staff is expected to be named by summer's end, which could set in motion a domino effect for military leadership.

Meanwhile, both Industry and Environment are without deputy ministers as the highly respected men in both positions have announced their retirements.

There are also at least a dozen vacancies at the assistant deputy minister level.

Oda's decision to step down will also require Harper to call a byelection for the Durham riding later this year. He also needs to call one in Calgary Centre, formerly held by Tory MP Lee Richardson, who left in May.

-- The Canadian Press

Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition July 5, 2012 A6