Harper shuffles cabinet: promotes Kent to environment, brings in Fantino

OTTAWA – Prime Minister Stephen Harper has announced his third cabinet shuffle in a year, promoting Peter Kent to environment minister and handing newbie Julian Fantino a junior post.

The mini-shuffle fills a gaping hole in Harper’s front bench and gives a higher profile to Kent and Fantino – both Toronto-area MPs – in time for a possible spring election.

Diane Ablonczy takes over from Kent, a former broadcaster, as minister of state of foreign affairs (Americas and consular affairs).

Fantino becomes minister of state for seniors, replacing Ablonczy.

Ted Menzies, parliamentary secretary to Finance Minister Jim Flaherty, gets a newly created junior post _ minister of state of finance.

The shuffle has been necessary since Jim Prentice left the environment portfolio for the greener pastures of Bay Street in November, after being left in what many considered a no-win situation.

Kent’s elevation to environment fills a need for a solid spokesman in a portfolio where the minister is constantly under attack for the government’s perceived lack of action on the file.

Canada has said it will follow the U.S. lead on climate change, a position that leaves the government vulnerable to criticism it lacks vision on what many regard as one of the world’s most pressing long-term problems.

The prime minister’s office described the changes as “small” and said the government is “staying the course with a competent team.”

While Harper has consistently denied he is preparing for an election this spring, the shuffle serves the purpose of putting in place the Conservative team should the opposition parties defeat the budget this winter.

As well, insiders say the Tories are gearing up for a vote should public opinion polls show a majority is in sight.

All political staff were ordered to cut short their Christmas holidays and be back at work this week.

Fantino, who narrowly won a byelection in November, can use the higher profile in what has proven challenging territory for Conservatives _ the Toronto area.

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