06 November,2015 04:50 AM IST | | Agencies
Justin Trudeau, who took charge as Canada's 23rd PM yesterday, chose a Cabinet with 15 men and 15 women -- the first gender-equal team in the country's history
Trudeau takes a selfie after the swearing-in ceremony
Ottawa: Justin Trudeau was sworn in as Canada's 23rd prime minister yesterday before a packed, flag-waving crowd, almost 50 years after his father took on the job. He chose a Cabinet of 15 women and 15 men - mostly aged under 50 - in a team that reflects Canada's diversity.
Trudeau takes a selfie after the swearing-in ceremony. Pic/AFP
âBecause it's 2015'
"It's important to be here before you today to present a cabinet that looks like Canada," the 43-year-old said. When the second-youngest PM in Canada's history was asked to explain his gender-parity promise, he answered, "Because it's 2015."
Veteran and newbies
His team includes some well-known personalities such as former astronaut Marc Garneau, who takes over as transport minister, former Liberal leader Stephane Dion (new foreign minister), as well as several fresh faces. Many of the female ministers have been given key roles, including former journalist Chrystia Freeland - now in charge of international trade - and Maryam Monsef, who fled Afghanistan as a refugee 20 years ago. Monsef will oversee the democratic reform portfolio. The new PM will take on two portfolios - youth and intergovernmental affairs.
