The "maybes"...

There is a lot of speculation going on about who will be announced as part of Prime Minister Harper's cabinet tomorrow.

Many names are almost a given. People like Peter MacKay, Rona Ambrose, Tony Clement, Jim Flaherty, John Baird, Diane Ablonczy, and Lawrence Cannon are almost certain to obtain high-profile postings tomorrow.

But there are a lot of "maybes" out there too... i'd like to tell you about four of them.

JAMES MOORE is the MP for Port Moody-Westwood-Port Coquitlam, a suburb of Vancouver. Of the four "maybes" I talk about, James is likely the most certain. The only thing going against James may be his age (barely or not even 30). That said, he has proven himself to be a most capable and competent critic in whatever portfolio he has been assigned since his election in 2000. He is also an exceptional voice for the Lower Mainland of British Columbia. Furthermore, he definetly appeals to the more socially progressive wing of the party... one that will need some showcasing during this test-run before Canadians decide to give us a majority.

CAROL SKELTON is the MP for Saskatoon-Rosetown-Biggar and another member of the class of 2000. Carol is a favourite MP for me, and is consitantly voted one of the most hard-working MPs on the hill. She's a very intelligent woman with a warm and outgoing personality, ideally suited to a social ministry.

GARY LUNN has been the MP for Saanich-Gulf Islands, BC since 1997. Another able critic, Gary is our strongest voice from Vancouver Island. Ability and geography should work in Gary's favour in the cabinet selection.

BETTY HINTON is another MP from the class of 2000, having defeated longtime NDP MP Nelson Riis in the Kamloops area. Of my four "maybes", i'll admit Betty is the least likely to be sworn in as a Cabinet Minister tomorrow. That said, she's got a few things going for her. She's certainly one of the most capable women in caucus, and has earned the trust and respect of parliamentarians from all parties when she served as Deputy Speaker. Like Carol Skelton, Mrs. Hinton is a very friendly and warm person who would have the ability to put a human face on the cold and unfeeling workings of government.