MacAulay back in cabinet
Lawrence MacAulay gets the nod to retain veterans affairs portfolio
Cardigan MP Lawrence MacAulay has once again been rewarded by a Liberal government for his impressive record of electability.
He was named Wednesday as the country’s minister of veterans affairs and associate minister of national defence, retaining the posts he held going into October’s federal election.
"It is an incredible honour to serve Canada's veterans and their families,’’ MacAulay said in a statement to The Guardian.
“We have accomplished a lot and I look forward to continuing this important work as Canada’s minister of veterans affairs.”
MacAulay cruised to victory capturing his 10th consecutive federal seat in October, defeating his closest rival by more than 4,000 votes.
First elected in 1988, he became P.E.I.’s longest serving member of Parliament back in 2014, a record previously held by Angus MacLean.
MacAulay has also served as minister of agriculture and agrifood, minister of labour, solicitor general, secretary of state for veterans and secretary of state for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency.
MacAulay, who lives in Midgell with his wife, was one of four Atlantic Canada MPs that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau unveiled during a ceremony at Rideau Hall.
Nova Scotia MP Bernadette Jordan will be Canada’s new fisheries minister, while Newfoundland and Labrador’s Seamus O’Regan will take over the high-profile natural resources post.
New Brunswick’s Dominic LeBlanc will serve as president of the Queen’s Privy Council for Canada, generally a largely ceremonial role.
“Today, I can introduce the strong, diverse and experienced team that will work together to tackle the big issues that matter to people from coast to coast to coast,’’ Trudeau said in a statement. “Whether it’s making life more affordable for the middle class, taking action on climate change or keeping our communities safe we will continue working tirelessly for all Canadians.’’
MacAulay enjoyed prominent positioning in the front row in both the official photo of the new cabinet as well as when Trudeau addressed the media with the cabinet standing behind him four rows deep.