OTTAWA—Toronto-area MP Jane Philpott has taken the helm of spending and operations for the federal government, sealing her reputation as a fixer in Justin Trudeau’s goververnment.Philpott’s move was revealed Monday during a cabinet shuffle that named her President of the Treasury Board and Minister of Digital Government.It’s the third cabinet spot held by the MP for Markham-Stouffville — a doctor who was first elected in 2015 — following stints in health and Indigenous services. Monday’s appointment confirms that she is seen as a capable and steady hand at the cabinet table.Read more:Ottawa abuzz with speculation about Trudeau’s cabinet shuffleNova Scotia MP Scott Brison resigning from cabinet, won’t seek re-electionPhilpott urges doctors to help improve health of Canada’s ‘most vulnerable people’ In her new role, Philpott will oversee government operations and spending, a powerful position but one largely out of view of most Canadians. She was vice-chair of the treasury board and she replaces Scott Brison, a Nova Scotia MP who announced last week that he was stepping down from cabinet and would not run again in the October election.Monday’s surprise move was Jody Wilson-Raybould’s appointment as veterans affairs minister, moving from justice, where she was the first aboriginal woman to hold the porfolio, to a line department where dealing with people will be key.Seamus O’Regan, who was the veterans affairs minister, takes Philpott’s place as Minister of Indigenous Affairs, taking on challenging issues facing Indigenous people, such as chronic water problems on reserves.Quebec MP David Lametti, a former law professor at McGill University, becomes justice minister. He is currently the parliamentary secretary to the minister of innovation, science and economic development.Bernadette Jordan, who represents a rural Nova Scotia riding, becomes minister of rural economic de ...
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