Crowfoot MP Kevin Sorenson, left, was sworn in as a new Minister of State (Finance) by Wayne Woulters, Clerk of the Privy Council, with Prime Minister Stephen Harper looking on. Sorenson’s new duties are keeping him busy, but he hopes to bring rural Alberta issues to cabinet and continue making regular visits to the Crowfoot riding.
Earlier this week, Crowfoot MP Kevin Sorenson was named as the new Minister of State (Finance) in Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s cabinet.
inSide Drumheller had the opportunity to catch up with Sorenson regarding his appointment to his new position.
“It’s a huge undertaking and one is always honoured when the Prime Minister shows that confidence, so I’m very pleased,” said Sorenson.
Sorenson was appointed as a Minister of State (Finance), a junior cabinet member position. His duties will include assisting Jim Flaherty, Minister of Finance.
Since the announcement, Sorenson has been learning his new portfolio and responsibilities.
“We are working through those now. My last day and a half have been briefings and there’s binders piled three feet high that I have to go through. Day one on the job, I was being introduced to Finance Ministers across Canada,” said Sorenson. “The opportunity to work with Jim Flaherty is a huge privilege.”
There are challenges ahead. Sorenson highlighted job creation and economic recovery as the major priorities of the Ministry of Finance.
Sorenson, who was first elected in 2000, has had a number of responsibilities over his political career, including chair person of various federal committees.
“I was honoured when I was asked to chair the Foreign Affairs Committee and then I was asked to chair the Afghanistan Committee. They were difficult committees. Then, when we wanted to get the gun registry completed, I was asked to move to the National Security Committee. Now in cabinet, it’s a huge responsibility. There will be a lot of sweat and hard work put into this. The best way to accomplish anything is to do your homework and work hard,” said Sorenson.
Now being a part of cabinet, Sorenson hopes to bring issues from Crowfoot and rural Alberta to the discussions in cabinet and the Ministry of Finance.
“Rural Alberta and Canada is represented at the table. I think having a rural voice at that finance table is important. Being from Alberta, I can talk about issues facing us. In Canada, job creation is an issue, but in Alberta we’re needing labour. That’s a voice that’s going to be heard,” said Sorenson.
Despite the extra workload, Sorenson, who routinely visits communities in the Crowfoot riding, remains committed to appear throughout the constituency.
“The best part of my job remains my constituency and it’s my priority. They have told me I will be doing a lot more travel across the country for meetings and discussions, but I’m going to have time to be around Drumheller and my riding,” said Sorenson. “Constituency work is my bread and butter and what I get the most satisfaction out of. I certainly intend to not disappear with this job. I need to be in my riding.”
