Twitter had much to say about Prime Minister’s Stephen Harper’s addition of “four new, strong, capable women to the Ministry” Monday.
In his cabinet shuffle, Harper named Kellie Leitch the minister of labour and minister of status of women, Michelle Rempel the minister of state for western economic diversification, Shelly Glover the minister of Canadian heritage and official languages, and Candice Bergen the minister of state for social development.
Those four join eight existing female ministers, bringing the current total to 12 out of 39 cabinet seats, or 30 per cent in total.
Harper’s appointments broke a record for Canada previously established by former Prime Minister Jean Chretien, the Toronto Star’s Susan Delacourt noted. “FYI, @pmharper has now appointed more women to cabinet than any other PM,” she tweeted.
The prime minister has appointed 18 women to cabinet since 2006, while Chretien appointed 16 over 10 years, according to Equalvoice.ca.
Many applauded Harper’s shakeup, while others thought it didn’t go far enough. Some griped about Rona Ambrose's move from public works to health; she came under fire last year after voting in favour of Tory MP Stephen Woodworth’s controversial Motion 312, which sought to study when life begins.
See what Twitter users had to say about the shuffle in the gallery below and share your opinion in the comments.