New Canadian PM Names First Country’s Ever Gender-equal Cabinet

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said this week his newly named cabinet “looked like Canada”, and the diversity goes much further than appointing an equal number of men and women.

The 43-year-old Trudeau, a former schoolteacher and a member of parliament since 2008, on Wednesday became the second youngest prime minister in Canadian history.

But that is balanced by the veteran politicians onboard, including Ralph Goodale, minister of public safety and emergency preparedness.

Hailing the appointment of a record four Indian-Canadians as cabinet ministers by Canada’s new Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, top Indian-Canadian leaders said this historic development will herald a new era in India-Canada relations.

However, Sajjan’s nomination as the Liberal Party candidate from Vancouver South a year ago attracted controversy when many Sikh leaders resigned from the Liberal Party, alleging that the party leadership has been “manipulated” by hardliner Sikhs of the World Sikh Organization.

In reply to a question about the gender parity of the government, Trudeau explained it happens to be “Because it’s 2015”.

The first Canadian in space, a 66-year-old former astronaut Marc Garneau, who has served as Canadian Space Agency president, is now transport minister.

In that task he’ll have help from a new cabinet committee, chaired by global Trade Minister Chrystia Freeland, focusing on advancing “mutual interests” between the two countries.

But no federal government has had this many.

His youthful demeanor and enthusiasm also provides a sharp contrast with the sober and dour Harper, who stepped down as prime minister just ahead of the swearing-in ceremony.

After the ballroom ceremony, he was expected to deliver a statement and hold the new government’s first cabinet meeting.

Justin Trudeau arrives at Rideau Hall yesterday morning with his wife, Sophie Grégoire, their children and the soon-to-be-sworn-in cabinet ministers.

As the new Defence Minister, Sajjan will work with Trudeau on reshaping Canada’s combat mission fighting ISIS in Iraq and Syria.

“It’s really glad that one of my first actions as prime minister is to reach out to grade school right across the country”, he said.

In February Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk appointed eight women to her cabinet after ousting the Liberal National Party government in an unexpected election win.