NDP Shadow Cabinet Mix of Old and New

Forty-three NDP MPs get the demanding job of holding cabinet ministers to account.

NDP Leader Jack Layton unveiled his party's shadow cabinet today, buffeted by the fact he actually has enough MPs this time to match the Tories on each portfolio. Paul Dewar remains as foreign affairs critic, Jack Harris keeps defence, and Joe Comartin stays at justice. But Thomas Mulcair, formerly the finance critic, will take over as the party's House leader, while Peggy Nash assumes his old file. Libby Davies moves to health, while Megan Leslie, whose two years of experience suddenly makes her a veteran in the caucus, takes the environment portfolio. Among the rookies appointed to top jobs are Jasbir Sandhu (public safety), Robert Chisholm (trade), and Tyrone Benskin, a stage actor, who will take on heritage.