The promotion of Ted Menzies to Minister of State (Finance) was among the small number of changes to the federal cabinet announced Tuesday by Prime Minister Stephen Harper.

Menzies’ appointment, which is effective immediately, is part of the government’s efforts to continue to help provide economic stability and financial security for Canadians.

“This fine tuning of the Ministry will be consistent with our intention to stay the course,” said Harper. “This is a time for stability, not uncertainty.”

Menzies, MP for Macleod in Alberta, was first elected to the House of Commons in 2004 and was re-elected in 2006 and 2008. In October 2007, Menzies was sworn in as parliamentary secretary to the Minister of Finance. Previously, he served as parliamentary secretary to the Minister of International Cooperation and the Minister of International Trade.

Prior to his election to Parliament, Menzies worked in the areas of agriculture and international trade. He held the post of president of the Canadian Agri-Food and Trade Alliance and was vice president of the Grain Growers of Canada. He has owned and operated a farm for more than 30 years.

Menzies has played an active role in municipal, provincial, national and international boards and committees, including the Appeal Board for the Alberta Financial Services Corporation and Lions Clubs International.

In other changes, Peter Kent becomes as Minister of the Environment, replacing Jim Prentice who stepped down in November 2010 to join CIBC as vice chairman.

In addition, Diane Ablonczy becomes as Minister of State of Foreign Affairs (Americas and Consular Affairs), and newly elected Julian Fantino becomes Minister of State (Seniors).

IE