OTTAWA, Sept. 27, 2016 /CNW/ - The Leader of the Government in the House of Commons, the Honourable Bardish Chagger, today introduced legislation to amend the Salaries Act and equalize the status of the government's ministerial team.
The Government of Canada is committed to creating a one-tier ministry that recognizes the equality of all Cabinet members and supports their work on the government's priorities.
The legislative changes formalize what has been the practice of the past year. All members of the Prime Minister's ministerial team were sworn in as ministers and have had full standing and authority, including salary, since Day One of this Government.
The legislation formalizes the equal status of ministers by adding to the Salaries Act five ministerial positions that are currently minister of state appointments, and by creating a framework that ensures they continue to be supported by existing departments in carrying out their responsibilities.
Quotes
Canada needs a modern, agile and flexible government that's organized in a way that is suited to delivering on its commitments to Canadians. Updating the Salaries Act demonstrates our commitment to a one-tier Ministry where all Cabinet members have equal voices around the Cabinet table.
- The Honourable Bardish Chagger, Leader of the Government in the House of Commons
Quick facts
- The five new ministerial positions are: Minister of La Francophonie, Minister of Small Business and Tourism, Minister of Science, Minister of Status of Women, and Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities.
- The legislation will create a framework within which these ministers can be supported by existing departments. No new departments will need to be created.
- The Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development will continue to be responsible for all regional development agencies.
- The legislation will also change the legal title of "Minister of Infrastructure, Communities and Intergovernmental Affairs" to "Minister of Infrastructure and Communities."
Backgrounder – Amendments to the Salaries Act
The Government of Canada is introducing changes to the Salaries Act to enable a "one-tier" ministry that is structured to meet modern challenges.
The Salaries Act authorizes payment out of the Consolidated Revenue Fund of a ministerial salary to individuals who have been appointed to ministerial positions listed in that act. There are currently 35 ministerial positions listed in the Salaries Act, including the position of Prime Minister.
These changes do away with administrative distinctions between current ministers, by adding to the Salaries Act five ministerial positions which will replace current minister of state appointments. The five new positions are: Minister of La Francophonie, Minister of Small Business and Tourism, Minister of Science, Minister of Status of Women, and Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities.
The amendments will also create a framework that will allow these five ministers to continue to be supported by existing departments.
The legislative changes formalize what has been the practice of the past year. All members of the current ministry were sworn in as ministers on the day they took office and from that day have had full standing and authority as well as equal salaries. They have been supported in the carrying out of their responsibilities by existing government departments.
The legislation will also change the legal title of "Minister of Infrastructure, Communities and Intergovernmental Affairs" to "Minister of Infrastructure and Communities." This change reflects the fact that the Prime Minister has taken on the role of Intergovernmental Affairs Minister.
Three untitled ministerial positions will be added to provide the government with flexibility in the future to deliver on priorities. These three positions can be titled and tasked at the discretion of the Prime Minister in response to emerging challenges and priorities.
The increase in positions will be offset by the removal of six regional development positions. The Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development will continue to be the responsible Minister for the regional development agencies.
Ensuring a modern ministry that prioritizes equality, agility and flexibility will provide better outcomes for Canadians.
This document is also available at http://www.news.gc.ca
SOURCE Leader of the Government in the House of Commons
Sabrina Atwal, Press Secretary, Office of the Leader of the Government in the House of Commons, 613-995-2727
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