Canada’s Cabinet Shuffled in Bid for Polls Boost

Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney shook up his Cabinet on Friday in a bid to revive his ailing Conservative government in the polls.

Mulroney kept his most senior ministers in place but he said he was making changes that are needed to help his government get through the next few “crucial” months.

” . . . This was brought about by different considerations with the fundamental one being (that) there must be a coherent ministry to deal with the very difficult programs that have made us so unpopular,” the prime minister told his first formal news conference in three years.

Finance Minister Michael Wilson, External Affairs Minister Joe Clark, Trade Minister John Crosbie and Energy Minister Jacob Epp all retained their posts in the government’s first Cabinet shuffle since January, 1989.

In all, Mulroney announced 15 changes to his Cabinet, including naming former Industry Minister Harvie Andre to the tough post as House leader as well as minister of state to assist the prime minister.

Douglas Lewis becomes transport minister while his old position as justice minister was taken over by newcomer Kim Campbell, who was promoted from the position of junior minister.

It will be up to Campbell, first elected in 1988, to pilot the government’s controversial abortion bill through the House of Commons. Under the bill, women can obtain abortions at any time during their pregnancy if they have a doctor’s approval.

According to the latest Gallup Poll, 19% of Canadians support the Mulroney government that first took power in 1984.

The opposition Liberals, without a leader until a party convention in June, have soared with 47% support and the leftist New Democrats stood at 27%.

Mulroney said that, while he is not worried about the polls, since he has three years left in his mandate, he takes full responsibility for the government’s unpopularity.

“I would not be inclined to blame any given minister for the low state of affection in which we’re held across the country. I’m probably the principal culprit.”

Mulroney’s Conservatives won their second consecutive majority government in the 1988 election, but their standing has plummeted since announcing plans for a 7% value added tax in 1991.