Apolitical Staples

I got a chance to ask Paul Wells about her, and he said he wasn’t sure, but that he heard from someone who would know that she didn’t get the clean air act from the PMO until the day before it was released. I don’t think she’s been given enough resources or respect to succeed here, but despite that, I think she’s got to go to at least a lesser cabinet portfolio while we bring someone in to fix it. For the purposes of election-winning, I hope it’s someone not from Alberta and that can shut up a Liberal with a stifling comeback like John Baird.

I agree, Ambrose is taking the fall for stupidity in the PMO.

Cannon to Enviro?

That isn’t based on any inside knowledge, but (a) he seems to have some political & communication skills, as well as some smarts, (b) he’s from Quebec, where the enviro seems to be a bigger issue than in some other places, and (c) I have to wonder if he’s feeling all that challenged in whatever job he has now (transport, right?).

As near as I can tell, the best minister from QC right now is Bernier, but I don’t see him moving from Industry at the moment.

Add a cabinet position that would overlap enviro & nat. resources. A Quebec minister to new position, and bring in Ablonzy to back fill.

Bad idea to combine Environment and Natural Resources….Competing mentalities behind both. Environment is more about conservation, while NR is better suited towards development issues. Creates a bad scene within with bureaucracy trying to combine the two.

I think a small shuffle is a good thing. It only makes sense after a prolonged absence from government that some people would not immediately fit with their portfolio. Wouldn’t hurt to make some tinkering moves.

Expect Bernier to move to environment, he’s bilingual and is an imposing physical figure, which helps when being scrummed.

Ambrose will probably go to InterGov. Affairs, if not then she’s out entirely.

James Moore could make his appearance at DND, with O’Connor heading for the showers…And expect Ablonczy to get Industry.

Of course im wrong on virtually of this, but thats what predictions are for.

Bernier seems like the real deal … Harper should make him more high profile.

Definitely, keep an eye on Bernier in the long term - but he seems to be doing well @ Industry, so I still say Cannon would be a better move….

…Which undoubtedly means it’ll be Bernier who gets shifted.

Of course, it’s also quite possible that there will be no moves at all. I don’t necessarily think Rona A. needs to be shown the door, and I don’t know who else would be in / out, other than what that Star story says.