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C A N A D A

NEW GOVERNMENT SINCE JANUARY 09, 2001
The government is formed by the Liberal Party of Canada

Ministers

Jean Chretien - Prime Minister

Born : in Shawinigan, Québec on January 11, 1934

Education/Profession : After attending schools in Shawinigan, Joliette and Trois-Rivières, he studied law at Laval University. He was called to the Bar in 1958, and joined the law firm of Chrétien, Landry, Deschênes, Trudel and Normand, in Shawinigan. He served as Director of the Bar of Trois-Rivières in 1962-63. From March 1986 to June 1990 he was a Counsel with the law firm of Lang Michener Lawrence and Shaw with offices in Ottawa, Toronto and Vancouver. He was also a Senior Advisor with Gordon Capital Corporation in Montreal.

Party : LPC (Liberal Party of Canada)

Political career : Elected to the House of Commons in 1963 representing the constituency of Saint-Maurice-Laflèche. He was re-elected in 1965. In July 1965, he was appointed Parliamentary Secretary to Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson and in January 1966, to the Minister of Finance. On April 4, 1967, he became Minister of State attached to the Minister of Finance and on January 18, 1968, he was appointed Minister of National Revenue. Returned to the House in the June 25, 1968, election, representing the new constituency of Saint-Maurice. On July 6, 1968, he was sworn in as Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and remained in that post until August 8, 1974, when he was appointed President of the Treasury Board subsequent to his re-election one month earlier. He was appointed Minister of Industry, Trade and Commerce on September 14, 1976, and one year later, on September 16, 1977, became Minister of Finance. He held that Cabinet post until June 4, 1979. was returned to the House of Commons for a sixth consecutive term in the May 22, 1979, election. After being re-elected on February 18, 1980, he was appointed Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada and Minister of State for Social Development on March 3, 1980. On September 10, 1982, he was appointed Minister of Energy, Mines and Resources. He was appointed Deputy Prime Minister and Secretary of State for External Affairs on June 30, 1984. In the September 4, 1984, election, he was re-elected as the Member of Parliament for Saint-Maurice and as a member of the Opposition was appointed Critic for External Affairs. Resigned from the House of Commons on February 27, 1986. On June 23, 1990, Mr. Chrétien was elected Leader of the Liberal Party of Canada. He was elected Member of Parliament in the December 10, 1990, by-election in the riding of Beauséjour (New Brunswick). He was sworn in as Leader of the Opposition in the House of Commons on December 21, 1990. He was re-elected Member of Parliament for the riding of St-Maurice on October 25, 1993. He was sworn in as Prime Minister of Canada on November 4, 1993. As Prime Minister, he was re-elected Member of Parliament for the riding of St-Maurice on November.

Herb Gray - Deputy Prime Minister

Born : in Windsor, Ontario , May 25th, 1931

Education/Profession : After graduating from Victoria School and Kennedy College in Windsor, he graduated from the School of Commerce of McGill University (Montreal) and Osgoode Hall Law School (Toronto). He is a member of the Ontario Bar.

Political career : A Liberal, he was first elected to Parliament on June 18, 1962. From September 1984 to February 1990, he served as Opposition House Leader, from January, 1989 to February 1990, he was also Deputy Leader of the Opposition. From February 1990 to January 1991, he served as Leader of the Opposition. From February 1991 to November 1993, he served again as Finance Critic for the Official Opposition. On November 4, 1993, he was appointed Leader of the Government in the House of Commons and Solicitor General of Canada. On June 11, 1997, he was appointed Deputy Prime Minister.

Lyle Van Clief - Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food

Born : on a farm in Prince Edward County, Ontario.

Education/Profession : He completed Grade 13 at Belleville Collegiate Institute and obtained his Bachelor of Science in Agriculture at the University of Guelph in 1966. Until 1988, M. Vanclief and his family ran Willowlee Farms Ltd., a 1,600-acre diversified fruit, vegetable, grains and oilseeds, and livestock operation. The farm is now operated by Kurt Vanclief, who purchased it from his parents.

Political career : Elected as the Member of Parliament for Prince Edward-Hastings in November 1988, and re-elected in October 1993 and June 1997. Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Agriculture, December, 1993 to December, 1996. Following his re-election in June 1997, he was appointed Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and Minister Coordinating Rural Affairs.

Also : Minister Coordinating Rural

Sheila Copps - Minister of Canadian Heritage

Born : in Hamilton, Ontario

Education/Profession : Bachelor of Arts (Hons.) Degree in French and English from the University of Western Ontario in London, and pursued further studies at McMaster University in Hamilton, and the University of Rouen in France. She worked as a newspaper joumalist, both with the Hamilton Spectator and the Ottawa Citizen.

Political career : Entered politics in 1981 by becoming the first Liberal, in over 50 years, to represent the provincial riding of Hamilton Centre. In 1984, ran for federal office and was elected to the House of Commons for the riding of Hamilton East. She has since been re-elected in four successive elections. Following the 1993 federal election, as appointed Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Environment. In January 1996, was named the Minister of Canadian Heritage, while retaining the post of Deputy Prime Minister. In June 1997, was renamed Minister of Canadian Heritage.

Elinor Caplan - Minister of Citizenship and Immigration

Born : in Toronto in 1944

Education/Profession : From 1973 to 1978, was President of Elinor Caplan and Associates, specializing in real estate title searching and conveyancing. Served as alderman for Ward 13 in the City of North York from 1978 to 1985.

Political career : From 1985 to the 1997 federal election, served as the provincial member of Parliament for the riding of Oriole, in the province of Ontario. Served as Ontario Minister of Health from September 1987 to October 1990. Elected to the House of Commons, for the riding of Thornhill, in June 1997. Appointed Minister of Citizenship and Immigration Canada on August 3, 1999.

Arthur Eggleton - Minister of National Defense

Born : in Toronto on September 29, 1943

Education/Profession : Worked as an accountant.

Political career : From 1980 to 1991 he was Mayor of Toronto and the longest-serving mayor in the city's history. Elected to the Parliament of Canada on October 25, 1993, as the Member for York Centre in the City of Toronto. Named President of the Treasury Board and Minister Responsible for Infrastructure in November 1993. On June 11, 1997, was appointed Minister of National Defence.

David Anderson - Minister of Environment

Born : in Victoria, British Columbia

Education/Profession : Attended both Victoria High School and Victoria College. At the University of British Columbia, he studied economics and law, and was a member of the Rome Olympic and the Chicago Pan-American Games silver-medal rowing crews. After graduation, he studied for two years at the Institute for Oriental Studies at the University of Hong Kong. He also spent six years with the Department of External Affairs, serving in Indochina, Hong Kong and Ottawa. From 1975 to 1978, was counsel to the British Columbia Wildlife Federation and a consultant for Environment Canada.

Political career : Elected Liberal MP for Victoria in the 1993 federal election and served as Minister of National Revenue from November 1993 to January 1996. In January 1996 he was appointed Minister of Transport. Re-elected as MP for Victoria in June 1997 and was immediately appointed Minister of Fisheries and Oceans. On August 3rd, 1999, was appointed Minister of the Environment.

Note : On February 5, 2001, he became the first Canadian ever elected as President of the Governing Council of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

Paul Martin - Minister of Finance

Born : in Windsor, Ontario in 1938

Education/Profession : Educated at the universities of Ottawa and Toronto, where he graduated with an Honours Degree in Philosophy. A graduate of the University of Toronto Law School, was called to the Ontario Bar in 1966. The greater part of Mr. Martin's career in the private sector was as a business executive, first with Power Corporation of Canada, in Montreal, and later as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Canada Steamship Lines. He also served as a corporate director for seven major Canadian companies.

Political career : Member of Parliament for Lasalle-Émard, Québec since 1988. Was sworn in as Minister of Finance on November 4, 1993. He was reappointed as Minister of Finance on June 11, 1997.

Herb Dhaliwal - Minister of Fisheries and Oceans

Born : in Punjab, India in a small village near Phagwara, came to Canada as a six-year old in 1952.

Education/Profession : Graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of British Columbia in 1971. He has more than 25 years of experience in the private and public sectors as a small businessperson and entrepreneur, specializing in transportation, maintenance, and real estate development. He has also served as vice-chair of the Board of Directors for the British Columbia Hydro and Power Authority and as chair of British Columbia Hydro's Budget and Audit Committees.

Political career : In 1993, he was given the Liberal ticket from South Vancouver (today known as South Vancouver Burnaby) and won that seat from the Progressive Democrats. He was also re-elected in 1997. On June 11 1997, Prime Minister Jean Chretien announced the appointment of Herb Dhaliwal, M.P., as Minister of National Revenue.

On Aug. 3,1999 he was appointed minister of Fisheries and Oceans.

John Manley - Minister of Foreign Affairs

Born : in Ottawa, Ontario, on January 5, 1950

Education/Profession : He graduated from Carleton University with a bachelor of arts degree in 1971. He studied at l'Université de Lausanne - École française moderne in1972 and then studied law at the University of Ottawa, graduating in 1976. From 1976 to 1977 he served as Law Clerk for the Right Honourable Bora Laskin, Chief Justice of Canada. He has also been awarded an honorary doctorate from the University of Ottawa. Before entering politics, Mr. Manley practised business and income tax law in Ottawa as a partner with the law firm of Perley-Robertson, Panet, Hill & McDougall. He also served as Chairman of the Ottawa-Carleton Board of Trade from 1985 to 1986.

Political career : In 1992 he was appointed Official Opposition Critic for Transport. Minister of Industry in 1993. In 1996 was, in addition, appointed Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, Minister of Western Economic Diversification, and Minister responsible for the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the regions of Quebec. Appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs on October 17, 2000.

Allan Rock - Minister of Health

Born : in Ottawa on August 30, 1947

Education/Profession : Received his BA. and LLB from the University of Ottawa. Following entered political life a successful professional career as a trial lawyer.

Political career : Entered political life in 1993. Served as Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, a post that he assumed following his first election to Parliament as MP for Etobicoke Centre in 1993. Minister of Health in June of 1997.

Jane Stewart - Minister of Human Resources Development

Born :

Education/Profession : Graduated from Trent University in 1978 with an Honours Bachelor of Science degree. She built a successful career as a human resources professional, working in both small and large companies across Canada and in the U.S. prior to entering public office.

Political career : First elected as Member of Parliament for the Ontario federal riding of Brant on October 25, 1993. Served as Chair of the National Liberal Caucus from February 1994 until being called to Cabinet as Minister of National Revenue in 1996. Appointed Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development in June 1997. On August 3, 1999, Prime Minister Jean Chrétien appointed the Honourable Jane Stewart Minister of Human Resources Development of Canada.

Robert Nault - Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development

Born : St. Anne, Manitoba, 1995.

Education/Profession : Studied at the University of Alberta and the University of Winnipeg, specializing in recreational administration and political science. He went to work for CP Rail in 1980 as a trainman. In 1986 he was elected Chairman of Local 431 of the United Transportation Union, and he also served as the Union's Vice General Chairman of CP Lines West.

Political career : Elected to represent the federal constituency of Kenora-Rainy River in the general election of November 21, 1988. In September of 1995, he was named Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Labour. In February of 1996, was named Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Human Resources Development. He was subsequently re-elected in general elections held on October 25, 1993 and June 2, 1997 and 2000.

Brian Tobin - Minister of Industry

Born : October 21, 1954, in Stephenville

Education/Profession : Studied political science, Memorial University, St. John's, Nfld.

Political career : Aide to provincial Liberal leader Bill Rowe, 1977, later assistant to MP Don Jamieson. Elected 1980 as MP for Humber-St. Barbe-Baie Verte, parliamentary secretary to two fisheries ministers. In 1989, he was elected chair of the national Liberal caucus. He served as a member of the 1993 Liberal national campaign and national platform committees. Member of the opposition Liberal "Rat Pack." Named federal fisheries minister 1993. Elected premier Feb. 22, 1996.

Stéphane Dion - Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs

Born : in 1955

Education/Profession : After obtaining a bachelors degree and a masters degree in political science from Université Laval in 1977 and 1979 respectively and a doctorate in sociology from the Institut d'études politiques de Paris, taught political science at the Université de Moncton in 1984 and the Université de Montréal from 1984 to January 1996. He specialized in the study of public administration and organization analysis and theory. Professor at the Laboratoire d'économie publique in Paris, senior research fellow at the Brookings Institution in Washington, D.C., co-director of the Canadian Journal of Political Science, and research fellow with the Canadian Centre for Management Development.

Political career : President of the Queen's Privy Council for Canada and Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs on January 25, 1996. He was re-elected in his riding of Saint-Laurent/Cartierville on June 2, 1997 and retained the same portfolio.

Maria Minna - Minister of International Cooperation and the Francophonie

Education/Profession : B.A. (Hons.) in sociology from the University of Toronto. Vice President of MacBain Public Affairs, a consulting firm. She served for 11 years as President of COSTI-IIAS, Canada's largest immigrant services organization.

Political career : First elected to the House of Commons in 1993, Maria Minna served as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Citizenship and Immigration from 1996 to 1998. She has also served on the House Standing Committees on Citizenship and Immigration, Health, and Human Resources Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities, including the Sub-Committee on Children & Youth at Risk.

Pierre Pettigrew - Minister of International Trade

Born : Quebec City in 1951

Education/Profession : BA in philosophy from the Université du Québec à Trois Rivières in 1972 and an M.Phil.D in international relations from Oxford (Balliol College) in 1976. International business consultant with Samson Bélair/Deloitte & Touche (Montreal), serving as Vice-President from 1985 to 1995.

Political career : Served as Director of the NATO Assembly's Political Committee in Brussels from 1976 to 1978. He was Foreign Policy Advisor to the Prime Minister from 1981 to 1984. Elected Member of Parliament for the Montreal-area riding of Papineau-Saint-Michel in March 1996, and was re-elected the following year in the new riding of Papineau-Saint-Denis. Joined the Canadian government in January 1996 as Minister for International Co-operation and Minister responsible for La Francophonie. He then served as Minister of Human Resources Development from October 1996 to July 1999. Appointed Minister for International Trade in August 1999.

Anne McLellan - Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada

Née :

Education/Profession : Bachelor of Arts degree and a Law degree from Dalhousie University, and a Master of Laws degree from King's College, University of London. She was admitted to the Bar of Nova Scotia in 1976. From 1976 to 1980, was an Assistant Professor of Law at the University of New Brunswick. In 1980, she moved to Edmonton to take a position as Associate Professor of Law at the University of Alberta. She served as Associate Dean of the University's Faculty of Law between 1985 and 1987. From July 1991 to June 1992, she was Acting Dean.

Political career : Elected to her third term as Member of Parliament for Edmonton West on November 27, 2000. She was appointed Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada on June 11, 1997, by Prime Minister Jean Chrétien. Has also served as Minister of Natural Resources and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians, from November 1993 to June 1997.

Claudette Bradshaw - Minister of Labor

Education/Profession : Was an active community leader in Moncton for many years. In 1974, she founded the Moncton Headstart Early Family Intervention Centre, where she was Executive Director from 1974 to 1997. She served as Girls' Program Director at the Moncton Boys' and Girls' Club from 1968 to 1974.

Political career : First elected to the House of Commons on June 2, 1997, was appointed Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of International Cooperation and Minister Responsible for the Francophonie on June 10, 1997. Member of Parliament for the New Brunswick district of Moncton-Riverview-Dieppe, was appointed to Cabinet as Minister of Labour on November 23, 1998 and Federal Coordinator on Homelessness on March 23, 1999.

Martin Cauchon - Minister of National Revenue

Born : in La Malbaie, Quebec

Education/Profession : Received a licentiate in civil law from the University of Ottawa in 1984. From 1985 to 1993, he practiced civil and commercial litigation. In 1990, he completed a Master of Laws in International Law at the University of Exeter in England.

Political career : From 1993 to 1995, served as President of the Liberal Party of Canada (Quebec). In 1994, he was vice-chairman of the Standing Committee on Public Accounts. In 1994-95, chaired the Canada-France Inter-Parliamentary Association. From 1994 until his appointment as Secretary of State, he was a member of the Standing Committee on Human Resources Development. Was first elected to the House of Commons in 1993, representing the federal riding of Outremont. On January 25, 1996, he was appointed Secretary of State responsible for the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec. Mr. Cauchon was appointed Minister of National Revenue by Prime Minister Jean Chrétien on August 3, 1999.

Also : Secretary of State for Federal Office of Regional Development-Quebec

Ralph Goodale - Minister of Natural Resources of Canada

Born : 1954

Education/Profession : Educated at both the University of Regina and the University of Saskatchewan, Ralph Goodale has practical experience in business, agriculture, law and broadcasting, as well as federal and provincial politics. Active in several community and business organizations.

Political career : Elected to the Parliament of Canada in 1974, representing the federal constituency of Assiniboia. In the 1980s, he served as leader of the Saskatchewan Liberal Party and in 1986 was elected a member of the Saskatchewan Legislative Assembly. Returned to the House of Commons as MP for Regina-Wascana (now Wascana) in October 1993 and was appointed Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food. He was re-elected in June 1997 and November 2000. Minister of Natural Resources Canada and Minister responsible for the Canadian Wheat Board in June 1997.

Also : Minister responsible for the Canadian Wheat Board and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians

Alfonso Gagliano - Minister of Public Works and Government Services

Born : in 1942, in Italy

Education/Profession : Certified general accountant (FCGA). First elected school commissioner in 1977, in 1983 he became President of the Jérôme-LeRoyer School Commission in greater Montréal.

Political career : Elected in November 1988 as Member of Parliament for the new riding of Saint-Léonard, he remained as Opposition Critic for Small Business and assumed responsibility for Industry. He also joined the House of Commons Permanent Committee on Finance. In October 1990, Alfonso Gagliano became Opposition Critic for Immigration and in February 1991 he was appointed Chief Opposition Whip. He also chaired the Quebec Liberal Caucus from 1988 to February 1991. Re-elected for a third mandate in 1993, was appointed Chief Government Whip by the Prime Minister. In September 1994, he was promoted to the Cabinet as Secretary of State (Parliamentary Affairs) and Deputy Leader of the Government in the House of Commons. Re-elected in the June 1997 general election for the riding of Saint-Léonard - Saint-Michel, was appointed Minister of Public Works and Government Services as well as Deputy Leader of the Government in the House of Commons.

Note : Responsible for the Canada Information Office, Canada Post Corporation, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, the Royal Canadian Mint and Canada Lands Company Ltd.

Robert G. Thibault - Minister of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

Education/Profession : He has been a small business owner, and has worked as an economic advisor and regional coordinator for the Acadian Federation of Nova Scotia.

Political career : First elected to the House of Commons in November, 2000. He has been active in municipal government, serving the District of Argyle as Clerk-Treasurer, and the region of Clare as an elected municipal councillor. On January 9, 2001, was appointed Minister of State (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency).

David Collenette - Minister of Transport

Born :

Education/Profession : He holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) from Glendon College, York University, and has pursued post-graduate studies in legislative behaviour and urban affairs at York University and Carleton University. He served as Chancellor of the Royal Military College of Canada from 1993-1996, and currently is a member of the International Advisory Council, Institute for International Studies, Stanford University, California. Worked in the life insurance, plastics and executive recruitment fields, and was Executive Vice-President of a leading executive search firm.

Political career : Elected to the House of Commons in the general elections of 1974, 1980, 1993, 1997 and 2000. He was appointed Minister of Transport on June 11, 1997, and is Minister Responsible for the Greater Toronto Area. Mr. Collenette has held the following portfolios during his more than 16 years in Parliament: Minister of National Defence and Minister of Veterans Affairs, Minister of State (Multiculturalism), and Parliamentary Secretary to the Postmaster General and to the President of the Privy Council.

Ronald Duhamel - Minister of Veterans Affairs

Born : in the bilingual and multicultural constituency of St. Boniface

Education/Profession : As a former teacher, principal and professor

Political career : Before he was elected to Parliament in 1988, was Manitoba's Assistant Deputy Minister of Education and, later, Deputy Minister of Education. Since his election to the House of Commons, has held a variety of positions. As Secretary of State for Science, Research and Development, he was responsible for implementing the government's science and technology strategy to position Canada successfully in the global, knowledge based economy. Appointed Minister of Veterans Affairs on October 17, 2000. He retains his responsibilities as Secretary of State (Francophonie & Western Economic Diversification).

Also : Secretary of State for Science, Research, and Development

Secretaries of State

Dr.Rey Pagtakhan - Secretary of State for Asia-Pacific

Born : in the Philippines

Education/Profession : Graduated in medecine from the University of the Philippines (UP) and holds the degree of Master of Science in Perinatal Physiology from the University of Manitoba. He completed his Residency in Pediatrics at the St. Louis Children's Hospital-Washington University Medical Centre and his Fellowship in Pediatric Respirology at the Children's Hospital of Winnipeg. He is a Diplomat of the American Board of Pediatrics and a Fellow of the American College of Chest Physicians. Was a Full Professor of Pediatrics and Child Health at the University of Manitoba Faculty of Medecine, Director of the Manitoba Cystic Fibrosis Centre, President of the Manitoba Pediatric Society, and a lung specialist for children. He was a school trustee and a member of the Winnipeg Police Commission. He served as the first Chair of the Board of Presidents of the Canadian Ethnocultural Council and as National President of the United Council of Filipino Canadian Associations in Canada.

Political career : First elected to the House of Commons in 1988 and has since been re-elected for the fourth term. He was sworn in as a member of the Privy Council and as Secretary of State for Asia-Pacific on January 9, 2001. Served as Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister. He chaired the Standing Committees on Citizenship and Immigration and on Human Rights and the Status of Persons with Disabilities as well as the Western and Northern Federal Liberal Caucus.

James S. Peterson - Secretary of State for International Financial Institutions

Born : in Ottawa in 1941

Études/Profession : Mr. Peterson holds a Doctorate of Civil Law (D.C.L.) from McGill University and a Masters of Laws (LL.M.) from Columbia University. Mr. Peterson holds a B.A. and a LL.B. from the University of Western Ontario as well as diplomas from L'Academie de Droit International in The Hague and La Sorbonne in Paris. Was a member of the Faculty of Law at the University of Toronto between 1974 and 1979 and practiced international tax and business law from 1970 to 1980. From 1984 to 1987, he served as Chair of Cambridge Acceptance Corporation Limited.

Carriére politique : Was elected as a Member of Parliament for Willowdale in February 1980 and was re-elected in 1988, 1993, 1997 and 2000. Mr. Peterson has served as the Liberal Party Industry Critic, Treasury Board Critic, and Parliamentary Secretary to both the Minister of State for Economic Development, Science and Technology and the Minister of Justice. He chaired the Parliamentary Task Force on Regulatory Reform. From 1993 through 1997, was Chair of the Standing Committee on Finance, where he played a key role in shaping government economic policy. He was appointed Secretary of State (International Financial Institutions) on June 11, 1997.

David Kilgour - Secretary of State for Latin America and Africa

Born : in Winnipeg in 1941

Education/Profession : He matriculated from St-John's Ravenscourt school with the Governor General's Medal. He earned an economics degree from the University of Manitoba and a law degree from the University of Toronto in 1966. He studied constitutional law at the doctoral level from 1969-1970 at the University of Paris, but did not complete the degree. He was admitted to the bars of Alberta, British Columbia and Manitoba. Prior to entering politics, was a senior agent of the Alberta Attorney General and a constitutional advisor to the Government of Alberta (1972-1979), Crown Attorney for the Dauphin Jucicial District in Manitoba (1971-1972), a senior advisory counsel for the Department of Justice in Ottawa (1968-1969) and an assistant city prosecutor in Vancouver (1967-1968).

Political career : Was first elected to the House of Commons in 1979 for the Alberta riding of Edmonton-Strathcona, and was re-elected in 1980 and 1984. He was elected in the riding of Edmonton Southeast in 1988, 1993 and 1997. He served as Parliamentary Secretary to the Government House Leader (1979), to the Minister of External Relations (1984), to the Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development (1985) and to the Minister of Transport (1986). In January, 1991, on joining the Liberal Party, was appointed Opposition Energy Critic. In 1994, he was appointed Deputy Speaker of the House of Commons and Chairman of Committees of the Whole House. He was sworn in as a member of the Privy Council and Secretary of State (Latin America and Africa) on June 11, 1997.

Dr.Hedy Fry - Secretary of State for Multiculturalism and the Status of Women

Born : in Trinidad

Education/Profession : Obtained her medical degree from the Royal College of Surgeons in Dublin, Ireland. Dr. Fry has been a medical practitioner for 23 years in B.C. Her concern for the welfare of the community has been reflected by her involvement in various areas of the medical profession. She was President of the British Columbia Medical Association, President of the Vancouver Medical Association, President of the B.C. Federation of Medical Women, and Editor of the Canadian Federation of Medical Women's national newsletter.

Political career : Co-chaired the Health and Social Issues section at the Liberal Party's 1992 Aylmer Conference and in 1992-93 sat on the Leaders National Task Force on Women in the Liberal Party. First elected as a Member of Parliament for Vancouver Centre in 1993 and re-elected in 1997. In 1996, Dr. Fry was appointed Secretary of State (Multiculturalism) (Status of Women) and re-appointed after the 1997 Federal Election. Was appointed Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health from 1993 to 1996. She was also a member of the Task Force on Reform of the Social Security System in 1994, and a member of the Small Business Committee.

Andrew Mitchell - Secretary of State for (Rural Development) (Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario)

Born : in Montreal

Education/Profession : Graduate of Loyola High School in Montreal and Carleton University in Ottawa. Has long been an advocate for increased economic development opportunities for Canadians, particularly in rural areas. Prior to his election, had a successful 20-year career in the banking industry where he held a succession of positions including assignments as Supervisor of Banking Operations, Auditor, and Branch Manager in Cornwall, Elliot Lake and Gravenhurst, Ontario.

Political career : Was elected to the House of Commons on October 25, 1993 as the Member of Parliament for Parry Sound-Muskoka and was re-elected on June 2, 1997. Was appointed to Cabinet on June 10, 1997 as Secretary of State (Parks) where he proceeded to transform Parks Canada into a separate and more effective and efficient agency through a new operating framework. was appointed Secretary of State (Rural Development) (Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario) on August 3, 1999.

Ethel Blondin-Andrew - Secretary of State for Training and Youth

Born :

Education/Profession : Graduated from the University of Alberta with a Bachelor of Education degree before returning to the Northwest Territories to teach in several northern communities.

Political career : First elected to the House of Commons in 1988 as a Member of Parliament for the Western Arctic. As a member of the official opposition from 1988 to 1993. Re-elected in 1993, was appointed Secretary of State for Training and Youth, making her the first Aboriginal woman to become a member of the Privy Council and Cabinet. Re-election in June 1997, was re-appointed as Secretary of State, Children and Youth.

Denis Coderre - Secretary of State for (Amateur Sport)

Born :

Education/Profession : Bachelor of Arts in political science from the University of Montréal. He hosted a program on CKVL radio from 1990 to 1993 and was Vice President of Public Affairs for Groupe Polygone éditeurs, an organization involved in hunting and fishing in Québec.

Political career : Occupied high-level posts in the Liberal Party of Canada (Québec). He was also an assistant to the Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs. Elected in 1997 and in 2000 and uses his experience to effectively represent the people of Bourassa. On August 3, 1999, he was named Secretary of State (Amateur Sport), a position created to assist the Minister of Canadian Heritage coordinating government priorities in amateur sport, in Canada and internationally.

Dr.Gilbert Normand - Secretary of State for Science, Research, and Development

Born : in Montmagny, Quebec, on March 31, 1943

Education/Profession : Attended college in La Pocatière and Québec City, where he obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1963. He studied at the School of Optometry of the University of Montréal in 1965 and received his degree in medicine from Laval University in 1970. He operated a private medical practice in Montmagny from 1970 to 1989 and was a member of the medical, dental and pharmaceutical staff of Hôtel-Dieu de Montmagny hospital from 1970 to 1997. He served as Director of the Département de Santé communautaire de Montmagny from 1990 to 1993.

Political career : Started in 1985, when he became mayor of Montmagny, a position he held until 1993. He also served as assistant warden of the Regional County Municipality of Montmagny from 1987 to 1993. He was elected MP for the federal riding of Bellechasse-Etchemins-Montmagny-L'Islet on June 2, 1997, and appointed Secretary of State (Agriculture and Agri-Food, Fisheries and Oceans) on June 18, 1997. On August 3, 1999, he was appointed Secretary of State (Science, Research and Development) under the Industry Canada Portfolio, and has thus been entrusted with an entirely new mandate, just as future-oriented and stimulating as his previous one.

ALSO SEE

Chiefs of State and Heads of Government Foreign Affairs World Parliaments Federated States and Provinces Political Weekly Factbook International Organizations

	Dr.Rey Pagtakhan - Secretary of State for Asia-Pacific Born : in the Philippines Education/Profession : Graduated in medecine from the University of the Philippines (UP) and holds the degree of Master of Science in Perinatal Physiology from the University of Manitoba. He completed his Residency in Pediatrics at the St. Louis Children's Hospital-Washington University Medical Centre and his Fellowship in Pediatric Respirology at the Children's Hospital of Winnipeg. He is a Diplomat of the American Board of Pediatrics and a Fellow of the American College of Chest Physicians. Was a Full Professor of Pediatrics and Child Health at the University of Manitoba Faculty of Medecine, Director of the Manitoba Cystic Fibrosis Centre, President of the Manitoba Pediatric Society, and a lung specialist for children. He was a school trustee and a member of the Winnipeg Police Commission. He served as the first Chair of the Board of Presidents of the Canadian Ethnocultural Council and as National President of the United Council of Filipino Canadian Associations in Canada. Political career : First elected to the House of Commons in 1988 and has since been re-elected for the fourth term. He was sworn in as a member of the Privy Council and as Secretary of State for Asia-Pacific on January 9, 2001. Served as Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister. He chaired the Standing Committees on Citizenship and Immigration and on Human Rights and the Status of Persons with Disabilities as well as the Western and Northern Federal Liberal Caucus.
	James S. Peterson - Secretary of State for International Financial Institutions Born : in Ottawa in 1941 Études/Profession : Mr. Peterson holds a Doctorate of Civil Law (D.C.L.) from McGill University and a Masters of Laws (LL.M.) from Columbia University. Mr. Peterson holds a B.A. and a LL.B. from the University of Western Ontario as well as diplomas from L'Academie de Droit International in The Hague and La Sorbonne in Paris. Was a member of the Faculty of Law at the University of Toronto between 1974 and 1979 and practiced international tax and business law from 1970 to 1980. From 1984 to 1987, he served as Chair of Cambridge Acceptance Corporation Limited. Carriére politique : Was elected as a Member of Parliament for Willowdale in February 1980 and was re-elected in 1988, 1993, 1997 and 2000. Mr. Peterson has served as the Liberal Party Industry Critic, Treasury Board Critic, and Parliamentary Secretary to both the Minister of State for Economic Development, Science and Technology and the Minister of Justice. He chaired the Parliamentary Task Force on Regulatory Reform. From 1993 through 1997, was Chair of the Standing Committee on Finance, where he played a key role in shaping government economic policy. He was appointed Secretary of State (International Financial Institutions) on June 11, 1997.
	David Kilgour - Secretary of State for Latin America and Africa Born : in Winnipeg in 1941 Education/Profession : He matriculated from St-John's Ravenscourt school with the Governor General's Medal. He earned an economics degree from the University of Manitoba and a law degree from the University of Toronto in 1966. He studied constitutional law at the doctoral level from 1969-1970 at the University of Paris, but did not complete the degree. He was admitted to the bars of Alberta, British Columbia and Manitoba. Prior to entering politics, was a senior agent of the Alberta Attorney General and a constitutional advisor to the Government of Alberta (1972-1979), Crown Attorney for the Dauphin Jucicial District in Manitoba (1971-1972), a senior advisory counsel for the Department of Justice in Ottawa (1968-1969) and an assistant city prosecutor in Vancouver (1967-1968). Political career : Was first elected to the House of Commons in 1979 for the Alberta riding of Edmonton-Strathcona, and was re-elected in 1980 and 1984. He was elected in the riding of Edmonton Southeast in 1988, 1993 and 1997. He served as Parliamentary Secretary to the Government House Leader (1979), to the Minister of External Relations (1984), to the Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development (1985) and to the Minister of Transport (1986). In January, 1991, on joining the Liberal Party, was appointed Opposition Energy Critic. In 1994, he was appointed Deputy Speaker of the House of Commons and Chairman of Committees of the Whole House. He was sworn in as a member of the Privy Council and Secretary of State (Latin America and Africa) on June 11, 1997.
	Dr.Hedy Fry - Secretary of State for Multiculturalism and the Status of Women Born : in Trinidad Education/Profession : Obtained her medical degree from the Royal College of Surgeons in Dublin, Ireland. Dr. Fry has been a medical practitioner for 23 years in B.C. Her concern for the welfare of the community has been reflected by her involvement in various areas of the medical profession. She was President of the British Columbia Medical Association, President of the Vancouver Medical Association, President of the B.C. Federation of Medical Women, and Editor of the Canadian Federation of Medical Women's national newsletter. Political career : Co-chaired the Health and Social Issues section at the Liberal Party's 1992 Aylmer Conference and in 1992-93 sat on the Leaders National Task Force on Women in the Liberal Party. First elected as a Member of Parliament for Vancouver Centre in 1993 and re-elected in 1997. In 1996, Dr. Fry was appointed Secretary of State (Multiculturalism) (Status of Women) and re-appointed after the 1997 Federal Election. Was appointed Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health from 1993 to 1996. She was also a member of the Task Force on Reform of the Social Security System in 1994, and a member of the Small Business Committee.
	Andrew Mitchell - Secretary of State for (Rural Development) (Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario) Born : in Montreal Education/Profession : Graduate of Loyola High School in Montreal and Carleton University in Ottawa. Has long been an advocate for increased economic development opportunities for Canadians, particularly in rural areas. Prior to his election, had a successful 20-year career in the banking industry where he held a succession of positions including assignments as Supervisor of Banking Operations, Auditor, and Branch Manager in Cornwall, Elliot Lake and Gravenhurst, Ontario. Political career : Was elected to the House of Commons on October 25, 1993 as the Member of Parliament for Parry Sound-Muskoka and was re-elected on June 2, 1997. Was appointed to Cabinet on June 10, 1997 as Secretary of State (Parks) where he proceeded to transform Parks Canada into a separate and more effective and efficient agency through a new operating framework. was appointed Secretary of State (Rural Development) (Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario) on August 3, 1999.
	Ethel Blondin-Andrew - Secretary of State for Training and Youth Born : Education/Profession : Graduated from the University of Alberta with a Bachelor of Education degree before returning to the Northwest Territories to teach in several northern communities. Political career : First elected to the House of Commons in 1988 as a Member of Parliament for the Western Arctic. As a member of the official opposition from 1988 to 1993. Re-elected in 1993, was appointed Secretary of State for Training and Youth, making her the first Aboriginal woman to become a member of the Privy Council and Cabinet. Re-election in June 1997, was re-appointed as Secretary of State, Children and Youth.
	Denis Coderre - Secretary of State for (Amateur Sport) Born : Education/Profession : Bachelor of Arts in political science from the University of Montréal. He hosted a program on CKVL radio from 1990 to 1993 and was Vice President of Public Affairs for Groupe Polygone éditeurs, an organization involved in hunting and fishing in Québec. Political career : Occupied high-level posts in the Liberal Party of Canada (Québec). He was also an assistant to the Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs. Elected in 1997 and in 2000 and uses his experience to effectively represent the people of Bourassa. On August 3, 1999, he was named Secretary of State (Amateur Sport), a position created to assist the Minister of Canadian Heritage coordinating government priorities in amateur sport, in Canada and internationally.
	Dr.Gilbert Normand - Secretary of State for Science, Research, and Development Born : in Montmagny, Quebec, on March 31, 1943 Education/Profession : Attended college in La Pocatière and Québec City, where he obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1963. He studied at the School of Optometry of the University of Montréal in 1965 and received his degree in medicine from Laval University in 1970. He operated a private medical practice in Montmagny from 1970 to 1989 and was a member of the medical, dental and pharmaceutical staff of Hôtel-Dieu de Montmagny hospital from 1970 to 1997. He served as Director of the Département de Santé communautaire de Montmagny from 1990 to 1993. Political career : Started in 1985, when he became mayor of Montmagny, a position he held until 1993. He also served as assistant warden of the Regional County Municipality of Montmagny from 1987 to 1993. He was elected MP for the federal riding of Bellechasse-Etchemins-Montmagny-L'Islet on June 2, 1997, and appointed Secretary of State (Agriculture and Agri-Food, Fisheries and Oceans) on June 18, 1997. On August 3, 1999, he was appointed Secretary of State (Science, Research and Development) under the Industry Canada Portfolio, and has thus been entrusted with an entirely new mandate, just as future-oriented and stimulating as his previous one.