New role

Kenora MP Greg Rickford’s new job may keep him on his toes but he said he isn’t going to let the workload distract him from his obligations in his riding.

On Aug. 29, Conservative Prime Minister Stephen Harper nominated the first-term representative as the Parliamentary Secretary of Official Languages. Rickford took over the position from Manitoba MP Shell Glover, who moved to secretary of Indian Affairs and Northern Development.

"I am pleased to announce the nominations of Shelly Glover and Greg Rickford as Parliamentary secretaries and have every confidence that they will fulfill their roles with energy and conviction," said Prime Minister Stephen Harper.

In his new role, Rickford will assist Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages James Moore. Duties as a parliamentary secretary could include representing Moore in committee meetings and work closely with members of Parliament in the House of Commons.

Rickford said he’s grateful for the new position calling it an act of confidence on the Prime Minister’s part.

"Stephen Harper recognizes that we have and will continue to put the great Kenora riding and northwestern Ontario’s interests as our top priority," Rickford said. "But it is also, in my mind, a statement that this is an opportunity for an MP and his team from a northern riding to participate in issues that are more broader and national in scope."

As with any new job means more work. However, the Tory MP said he wasn’t worried about the additional work and welcomed the challenge.

"The great news is that I’m juggling way more than two things," he said. "Obviously, my work with my contingencies in my riding will remain my top priority. I’m taking this very seriously and I am looking forward to the challenge."