Today a new Canadian federal cabinet was sworn in - put together by the new Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. It was for the first time gender balanced with 15 men and 15 women. Trudeau had a great line when asked about this:
He had a quick answer and a smile when asked why he felt the need for the gender balance in his 30-member cabinet.
“Because it’s 2015,” he told reporters gathered outside Rideau Hall. “Canadians elected extraordinary members of Parliament… I’m glad to be able to highlight a few of them in the cabinet today.”
That one comment encapsulates the change that we are lucky to be seeing.
Canada's newly elected Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau announced his new cabinet today made up of 15 women and 15 men, and as diverse a cabinet as we have ever seen in Canada. As he also said - “a cabinet that looks like Canada.”
Just a small sample of the new members below... a full list and brief bios - here, in an easy to read format.
Among the new cabinet members are 3 with Sikh backgrounds, including our new defense minister - yes Canada's defense minister wears a turban:
Harjit Sajjan
Vancouver South (B.C.)
Sajjan was the first Sikh to command a Canadian army regiment. He fought in Afghanistan and was decorated for UN peacekeeping. He also served with the Vancouver police gang crime unit.
The Democratic Institutions Minister is from Afghanistan:
Maryam Monsef
Peterborough-Kawartha (Ont.)
Monsef is the first Afghan-born MP. She fled with her family from Afghanistan 20 years ago and co-founded a campaign that has raised money for women and girls in that country.
The Justice minister is an aboriginal Canadian
Jody Wilson-Raybould
Vancouver Granville (B.C.)
Former Crown prosecutor and Assembly of First Nations regional chief Wilson-Raybould handily won in what was expected to be a tough race. Wilson-Raybould figured prominently in the Liberals 2014 convention in Montreal.
The International Trade Minister was banned from travel to Russia by Putin.
Chrystia Freeland
University-Rosedale (Ont.)
Freeland was elected in the newly created Toronto riding. The Alberta native was the Liberals’ trade critic and was a journalist before entering politics. The author is one of 13 Canadian politicians banned from travel to Russia by President Vladimir Putin.
In summary I have to wholeheartedly agree with the comment that the cabinet "looks like Canada" and that is an awesome start, and a most welcome change.
Update:
A good summary of the embarrassment of riches of women candidates for cabinet - here.
A short video taken during the photo session after the announcement. A relaxed view of the new cabinet. here.