Thunder Bay-Rainy River MP Don Rusnak is taking on new responsibilities as the parliamentary secretary to Minister of Indigenous Services Jane Philpott.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced the appointment on Tuesday.
Philpott was only named to her post last month, when Trudeau split the Indigenous and Northern Affairs department to create two portfolios dealing with Indigenous matters.
According to information on the parliamentary website, secretaries help ministers maintain contacts with senators and other members of the House of Commons.
They play a liaison role within the government caucus, particularly on matters regarding private Members’ business. When the minister is away from the House, parliamentary secretaries may also be called upon to answer policy questions during Question Period. As well, when the subject of an Opposition Day concerns the minister’s department, the parliamentary secretary usually lines up speakers from the government side.
The office can serve as a training ground for future cabinet ministers.
Parliamentary secretaries receive a mandate letter from the Prime Minister, and carry out their responsibilities as set out by their minister.
Rusnak, who also chairs the Liberal party's Indigenous caucus, will receive an additional salary of $14,600.
