Kelly Block, the Member of Parliament for Carlton Trail – Eagle Creek, has been named the Conservative Party of Canada’s Shadow Minister for Government Transformation, Public Works and Procurement.
The announcement was made on Wednesday, May 21 by Conservative Party Leader Pierre Poilievre as he unveiled his party’s Leadership Team for the upcoming session of the House of Commons.
“Canada must become a self-reliant country where hard work guarantees people a beautiful home on a safe street protected by solid borders and united under a proud flag,” said Poilievre. “Lately, it hasn’t felt that way. Crime, inflation, deficits, and job losses are ballooning. Immigration is out of control. Our economy is more dependent on the U.S., and the country is more divided than ever before. Conservative solutions are needed now more than ever. We have already won the debates on carbon taxes, inflation, housing costs, crime, natural resource development, and more. That is why Canadians gave us 23 more seats and two million more votes.”
Regina-Qu’Appelle MP Andrew Scheer was appointed Leader in the House of Commons. Melissa Lantsman and Tim Uppal were appointed Deputy Leaders, while Luc Berthold is Deputy House Leader.
Poilievre is expected to run in a byelection in Alberta to regain a seat in Parliament.
“Now, our bigger and better team will push for the government to boost Canadians’ buying power through lower taxes and less inflation, unleash resources to bring home paycheques and production, secure our streets by locking up criminals, get immigration under control and unite our people under our shared flag,” stated Poilievre. “We will work with the government to put an end to unfair American tariffs or to pass good laws—but we will fight hard when the government is wrong.”
Most Shadow Cabinet members will remain in their pre-election roles for this brief session, while newcomers learn the ropes and showcase their talents. Shuffles in the fall and winter will move more newly-elected MPs into key roles. To maximize effectiveness, the Official Opposition is expanding its team and dividing portfolios to ensure no aspect of the government’s agenda escapes oversight.
Poilivre said unlike government ministers, Shadow Cabinet members do not receive any additional taxpayer dollars to carry out their work.
“That’s why we’re drawing on the full depth of our Conservative caucus—to monitor every detail of the Liberal government’s actions and stand ready with better solutions,” said Poilivre., adding his team “will work for all Canadians to ensure that Canada is once again affordable, safe, and less dependent on the United States.”