Those of you following the great march forwards of Conservatism may be interested to note that Canada's New Government - brought to you by the Conservative Party of Canada - announced their second cabinet shuffle of the term today.
When considering the implications of this, it's crucial to remember the difference between a shuffle in a Parliamentary system (like Canada), and one in he US. On one hand, it's much easier to shuffle a cabinet in Canada than it is in the US: there are no confirmation hearings to worry about, and there's nothing the opposition can do to block the shuffle. On the other hand, it's a very public gesture that there's been some trouble recently.
You may also notice that in Parliamentary systems, it's much more common for existing cabinet members to be shuffled around, as opposed to changing up the membership of the cabinet. This relates to the role of cabinet members: they're almost exclusively spokespeople. Policy is decided by the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), and is implemented by senior civil servants; as a result, the only real job of a cabinet member is to sell changes to the public.
Thus, once an MP is a member of the cabinet - and has some recognition with the public - it's easier to keep them in cabinet and build on that reputation, as opposed to starting new with someone else.
As for who went where...
Foreign Affairs Out: Peter Mackay (to Defense) - In: Maxime Bernier (from Industry)
A boost up for Bernier, one of the few successful Quebecois Conservative MPs. While generally regarded as a bit of a libertarian (Dion criticized him as being a Republican), did well with Industry, and will likely lead Conservative election efforts in Quebec. Will also work to promote the Afghanistan mission in that province, where it's hugely unpopular. More of a lateral move for Mackay, who will be tasked with undoing the shit that's gone down at Defense.
Defense Out: Gordon O'Connor (to National Revenue) - In: Peter Mackay (from Foreign Affairs)
O'Connor was generally regarded as a failure in his work - the few things he did he bungled, he couldn't sell Afghanistan to anyone, and he was always perceived (rightly) as a shill for the defense industry. Mackay is a well-regarded communicator who will work with Bernier to convince everyone that things are going well in Afghanistan.
National Revenue Out: Carol Skelton (to backbenches) - In: Gordon O'Connor (from Defense)
A serious demotion for O'Connor; his new position is comparable to head of the IRS. He won't write tax law, he'll just administer everything to do with its implementation. Unsurprising demotion for Skelton, who's announced she's not running in the election.
Indian Affairs Out: Jim Prentice (to Industry) - In: Chuck Strahl (from Agriculture)
Prentice was too good at his job to be in this post; he's moving to fill Bernier's spot at the ever-important Ministry of Industry, and should consider his move out of this portfolio a nice promotion. Strahl wasn't great at Agriculture (he screwed up the Wheat Board file), and this is a landing spot he can't really screw up.
Heritage Out: Bev Oda (to Int'lCooperation) - In: Josée Verner (from Int'l Cooperation)
Intrnational Coopration Out: Josée Verner (to Heritage) - In: Bev Oda (from Heritage)
A position and importance swap here: Oda's had a few too many pubic bungles to stay in Heritage, and Verner's gotten no public traction in International Cooperation. This is Harper's way of boosting Verner up, as he'll want her to lead the charge in Quebec (with Bernier) in the next election. This will also appeal (slightly) to some separatists, who will like seeing a Quebecois in charge of all federal cultural funding.
Agriculture Out: Chuck Strahl (to Indian Affairs) - In: Gerry Ritz (from backbenches)
Ritz is a former farmer himself from Saskatchewan, who will certainly lead the charge to finish off the Canadian Wheat Board.
Sec. State for Small Business Out: Gerry Ritz (to Agriculture) - In: Diane Ablonczy (from backcbenches)
Ablonczy's been in the House since 1993, and most people see it as a wonder that it's taken her this long to get promoted. While this new position is sub-Cabinet level, you can bet that Harper will keep her plenty visible, as he's sorely short of women in his full Cabinet.
Barring anything unprecedented, this is the team that will lead the Tories into the next election.