Shuffling Cabinets

In the midst of a week of travel and meetings, which makes keeping up on the news, much less reflecting and blogging on it, is a challenge.

Cabinet Shuffles: Last Wednesday was Alberta's turn, yesterday Ontario's and today the federal government's. I agree with those who suggest that Alberta's was designed to send a message to its base that the Conservatives would take a turn to the right and there is no need to flee the party for the Wildrose Alliance. Whether or not the base will heed that message is very much a "wait and see" proposition. It depends as much on the ability of the Wildrose to prove themselves more than an opporutnistic opposition and in fact a credible alternative.

I don't follow Ontario politics quite as closely so interpreting Premier McGuinty's rationale is a bit more challenging. By removing three veterans and promoting four new members to cabinet, there is a sense that the purpose was to put a fresh face on the government and try to reposition it. When viewed against these changes, Prime Minister Harper's change today seems very low key and modest. By making no changes to the major portfolios and making a relatively minor shuffle of ten ministers, the message seems to be one of "staying the course" with the message that diligent service is rewarded.