Doherty, Zimmer named to Conservative shadow cabinet

The Prince George area's two MPs have been named to critics' roles in the new Conservative shadow cabinet.

Prince George-Peace River-Northern Rockies MP Bob Zimmer and Cariboo-Prince George MP Todd Doherty, who were both re-elected on April 28, were named to their posts by party leader Pierre Poilievre on Wednesday, May 21.

Zimmer will serve as shadow minister for Arctic affairs and the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency, while Doherty will be shadow minister for addictions.

Doherty developed a national suicide hotline program, while Zimmer was the Tories' Arctic affairs critic in the last Parliament.

Both have been vocal on regional and national issues ranging from public safety to mental health and economic development.

The appointments are part of a sweeping rollout by Poilievre, who has named a team of MPs to mirror the federal Liberal cabinet and challenge the Trudeau government’s performance across key portfolios.

Former Conservative leader Andrew Scheer returns as leader in the House of Commons, as Poilievre was unseated in the election and is seeking a win in another riding in order to return to the House of Commons.

Melissa Lantsman and Tim Uppal will serve as deputy leaders, while a wide range of critics have been named to oversee files such as finance, immigration, Indigenous services and energy.

The shadow cabinet includes Quebec MP Pierre Paul-Hus as Quebec lieutenant and a number of associate shadow ministers assigned to regional economic development roles. 

The team also features critics for newer areas of focus, such as Ben Lobb in digital government and artificial intelligence and Scott Aitchison in housing.

Jasraj Singh Hallan will take over as shadow minister for finance, while Michelle Rempel Garner returns to the immigration portfolio. 

Shannon Stubbs has been named shadow minister for energy and natural resources.