Key points
- Shafqat Ali has been given role of President of Treasury Board
- Carney has retained majority of ministers holding key portfolios
- It is truly an honour to be trusted: Shafqat Ali
OTTAWA: Shafqat Ali has made history by becoming the first minister of Pakistani origin in Canada, having been appointed to Prime Minister Mark Carney’s cabinet.
Ali, who was re-elected as Member of Parliament for Brampton Centre for a second consecutive term, has been given the role of President of the Treasury Board.
Newly appointed Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has also downsized the cabinet, reducing the number of ministers from 39 to 29.
According to reports, Carney has retained the majority of ministers holding key portfolios. However, Mélanie Joly, who previously served as Foreign Minister, has now been appointed Minister of Industry, with Anita Anand stepping into the role of Foreign Minister.
Modest beginnings
Shafqat Ali expressed his gratitude in a Facebook post, saying he was deeply honoured to have been selected by the prime minister.
“It is truly an honour to be trusted by Prime Minister Mark Carney to join his team and to be sworn in to Cabinet as President of the Treasury Board today. I’m eager to move swiftly in delivering our government’s agenda for Canadians,” the post read.
Having risen from modest beginnings to become a successful immigrant entrepreneur, Shafqat Ali has a personal understanding of the challenges faced by many Canadians. This background fuels his dedication to building a brighter and more prosperous future for all.
