Monte Solberg, a western MP stemming from Calgary, Alberta, has been appointed Canada's new Minister of Citizenship and Immigration. Solberg was the finance critic from 2003 to 2005 and has been a long-serving member in the House of Commons.

Monday, February 6, 2006 - Canada's 22nd Prime Minister has announced his Conservative Cabinet this morning at Rideau Hall in Ottawa. Prime Minister Harper delivered on his promise of "smaller government" with the appointment of 26 ministers that will work with " more focus and purpose less process and cost." The cabinet, he said, "reflect(s) unity and the diversity of the country."

Canada's new Immigration Minister, Monte Solberg, is the former vice-chair of the Finance committee, Foreign Affairs and International Trade committee and the Human Resources Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities committee. He was also a member of the Canadian Heritage committee and has served as critic for: Finance, Foreign Affairs, Revenue Canada, and Human Resources Development. Before entering politics, Solberg was employed as a broadcaster for 17 years.

Backgrounder:

• Solberg keeps a personal Blog, which he often updates. He is thought to have made history by becoming the first MP to Blog from the floor of the House of Commons immediately upon the passage of Canada's Same-sex marriage bill (Bill C38). Bill C38 provided legal recognition of same-sex marriage. Solberg was opposed to the bill. Access Monte Solberg's Blog at: http://www.montesolberg.com
• Solberg was believed to be the odds-on favorite to serve as Finance Minister before today's appointment.