Yellowhead MP appointed to Cabinet

Yellowhead riding’s Member of Parliament Rob Merrifield said he feels like he “won the lottery” after being appointed to Cabinet last week as Minister of State of Transport last week. 

“I’m under no illusions, many other Members of Parliament from Alberta could have fit the bill,” Merrifield said. “I guess I’m humbled and privileged.”

Merrifield said he is proud to serve the riding and the country at the Cabinet table, and has much to offer when it comes to transportation. “Transportation is a very broad portfolio,” he said. 

“The Windsor Bridge, the issues on the border, a number of issues working with the cross border trade, public security. I could go on and on... there’s an awful lot of them, but I’m excited not only to be part of the transportation portfolio but also to be working with Mr. (John) Baird (Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities) and fulfilling some of the responsibilities of the ministry.”

Despite all the responsibilities, Merrifield won’t forget about Jasper, he said. “I’ll continue to try to get more money for Parks Canada, and one of the issues I’ve always been pushing for is funding for some of the through highways,” he said. “Transportation issues along the corridor, or getting goods through to the west coast is critical to our portfolio and department.”

And roads are only a part of what Merrifield will look after. “As well, CN, Via Rail is also part of our portfolio,” he said. “So I’m not only concerned about the highways but also the railroads and the regulations they run under. I’ll be taking a keen interest in those issues.” 

All in all, it’s a big step. “I’m very excited to be called upon by the prime minister to represent north Alberta, rural Alberta, at the Cabinet table,” he said. Merrifield takes over for Lawrence Cannon, who was appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs.