North Island-Powell River member of parliament Rachel Blaney has been tapped to serve as deputy critic for infrastructure and communities, and spokesperson on multiculturalism in the New Democratic Party’s newly formed shadow cabinet.
“It’s important that smaller communities don’t get left behind,” stated Blaney in a media release. “My priority will be to focus on affordable housing, investments in a greener economy [and] local jobs that encourage young people to return home and allow our communities to thrive.”
Blaney stated she is honoured by the appointment and the opposition will hold the Liberal government to its campaign promises. The federal election last month dropped the NDP from official opposition to third-party status.
Party leader Tom Mulcair gave each of the NDP’s 44 MPs a role in the shadow cabinet, which he called “Canada’s progressive opposition,” on Thursday, November 12.
Skeena-Bulkley Valley MP Nathan Cullen will take on the environment file and democratic reform. Courtenay-Alberni MP Gord Johns will take on the small business and tourism file, while Victoria MP Murray Rankin will work on the justice file.
