Albas named trade critic

Photo: Nicholas Johansen

A mix of Conservative rookies and veterans has been given key roles in the party's shadow cabinet, unveiled Friday by interim leader Rona Ambrose.

Dan Albas, second-term MP for Central Okanagan-Similkameen-Nicola, was named interprovincial trade critic.

"This helps continue my work for free trade of Canadian wine and more, helping to build a stronger more united Canada," Albas wrote on Twitter.

Long-time MP Lisa Raitt will serve in the key position of finance critic, former justice minister Rob Nicholson will be the critic for that portfolio and Kellie Leitch, who is also a physician, will be the health critic.

Tony Clement will be the critic for foreign affairs, Ed Fast for environment and former veterans minister Erin O'Toole will have responsibility for Public Safety.

The critic for veterans affairs, in turn, will be new Quebec MP Alupa Clarke, who will be joined by his Quebec colleagues Gerard Deltell as critic for employment and Pierre Paul-Hus who will be one of two on the defence portfolio. The lead spot was given to Manitboa MP James Bezan.

Ambrose, who will also be critic for the status of women, also carved out some new files, including a critic for matters relating to maternal, child and newborn health, to be handled by Alberta MP Mike Lake.

And there's a rural affairs position assigned to Ontario MP Bev Shipley.

In a statement Ambrose says her team has the experience, dedication and drive to effectively challenge and hold the Liberals to account.