Ottawa – Today, Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced the appointment of Jason Kenney, Member of Parliament for Calgary Southeast, as Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism.

As Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, Mr. Kenney will be responsible for overseeing the federal government’s immigration department, Citizenship and Immigration Canada, and for continuing to oversee Canada’s Multiculturalism policy.

“Jason Kenney is an experienced Member of Parliament who has served the Government of Canada well as Secretary of State for Multiculturalism and Canadian Identity. His thorough understanding of the issues affecting new Canadians will serve him well in his new role as Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism,” said the Prime Minister.

Mr. Kenney’s appointment is part of Prime Minister Harper’s announcement of a new ministerial team charged with protecting Canadians in a time of increasing global economic instability.

Biography

Jason Kenney was first elected to the House of Commons in 1997 and has been re-elected four times, most recently with 74 percent of the vote.

He was appointed Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister in 2006, and Secretary of State (Multiculturalism and Canadian Identity) in 2007.

Mr. Kenney was born in Ontario and raised in Saskatchewan, where he graduated from Notre Dame College. He then went on to study philosophy at the St. Ignatius Institute of the University of San Francisco.

Mr. Kenney is a former Chair of the House of Commons Subcommittee on International Human Rights. He served in a variety of positions in Opposition, including Finance Critic and Deputy House Leader.

Prior to seeking election, Mr. Kenney served as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation.