TORONTO: In a historic milestone, Member of Parliament Shafqat Ali has been appointed as Canada’s first-ever federal minister of Pakistani origin.
Re-elected from Brampton in the recent national elections, Shafqat Ali secured his second term in Parliament and has now been inducted into the federal cabinet by newly elected Prime Minister Mark Carney. He will serve as the President of the Treasury Board one of the key positions in the government.
As part of a major cabinet reshuffle, Prime Minister Carney has reduced the size of the federal cabinet from 39 to 29 members, aiming for greater efficiency and streamlined governance.
According to media reports, Carney has retained most ministers in their existing roles, particularly those managing critical portfolios. Notably, Mélanie Joly has been reassigned from Foreign Affairs to Industry, while Anita Anand has been appointed as the new Foreign Minister.
Shafqat Ali’s elevation to the federal cabinet marks a significant moment for representation and diversity in Canadian politics.
