OTTAWA – Shafqat Ali has become the first Pakistani-origin minister in Canada as he has been picked by Prime Minister Mark Carney for his cabinet.
Ali, who was elected Member of Parliament for Brampton Centre for second time in a row, has been assigned the role of the presidents of Treasury Board.
Newly elected Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has also reduced the number of cabinet members from 39 to 29.
Reports said Mark Carney has retained most ministers with important portfolios in their respective ministries.
However, Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly has been appointed as Minister of Industry, and Anita Anand has been appointed as the new Foreign Minister in her place.
Shafqat Ali, in a Facebook post, said he is feeling honoured that the prime minister has picked him to join his team.
“It is truly an honour to be trusted by Prime Minister @markjcarney to join his team and to be sworn in to Cabinet as President of the Treasury Board today. I am enthusiastic about moving forward rapidly to implement our government’s program for Canadians,” read the post.
From his humble beginnings to becoming a successful immigrant entrepreneur, Shafqat understands firsthand the challenges that many Canadians face. This experience drives his commitment to ensuring a brighter, more prosperous future for all Canadians.
