Has Steven Harper already made his first mistake as PM? Today he announced his cabinet and the big surprise was that just elected Liberal MP David Emerson crossed the floor to become the new Minister of International Trade. This is rather an interesting move given the moaning amongst Conservatives when Belinda Stronach crossed the floor last year to the Liberals to take a cabinet post. It seems to me Harper has already undercut claims the Conservatives would improve the ethical standard of politics in Canada. Of course its not exactly uncommon in politics for a party to claim doing something is wrong when they are in opposition, and then turning around to do the exact same thing once they are elected.

One of Harper's cabinet appointments may be short lived. Chuck Strahl has been appointed Minister of Agriculture, but is unfortunately dealing with lung cancer that is apparently terminal. I would guess his appointment is intended as a reward for years of involvement with the Reform Party and support of Harper.