New Olympics Minister for Canada

(ATR) James Moore receives the Olympics portfolio in the Canadian government while predecessor David Emerson takes up the Foreign Ministry brief.

Moore, 32, represents a suburban Vancouver constituency in the national Parliament. His new three-part secretary of state portfolio includes the Olympics, the Asia-Pacific Gateway and official languages.

The Conservative Party member became the youngest elected MP in Canada's history when he won his first term in 2000. Before politics, he worked as a radio talk show host and as a party communications advisor.

Moore received the Olympics job in the same June 25 cabinet shuffle that moved Emerson to the Foreign Ministry.

Emerson was expected to be Canada’s top-ranking representative at the Bird’s Nest on Aug. 8. That now appears to be the job of Moore. PM Stephen Harper announced earlier this year that he will skip the Games opening ceremony.

Emerson, also from Vancouver, took over at the Foreign Ministry May 26 on an interim basis when Maxime Bernier suddenly resigned amid a scandal involving an ex-girlfriend with ties to criminal biker gangs.

Emerson’s international trade duties were shifted to Michael Fortier. Helena Guergis remains secretary of state for sport.

B.C. Premier Gordon Campbell also shuffled his cabinet this week. Olympics minister Colin Hansen retained his 2010 portfolio, but was elevated to finance minister. Mary Polak became the new sport minister, replacing Stan Hagen.

Written by Bob Mackin

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