TORONTO (miningweekly.com) – Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper on Wednesday announced that Natural Resources Minister Joe Oliver would take the reins from outgoing Finance Ministry veteran Jim Flaherty, who resigned on Tuesday.

Announcing the changes to the Conservative Ministry at a swearing-in ceremony at Rideau Hall, the government residence where Cabinet Ministers are sworn in, Harper also revealed that Minister of State for Science and Technology, and for northern Ontario development Greg Rickford would take over from Oliver.

Harper indicated that Oliver’s main focus would be to work to create jobs, strengthen the Canadian economy and balance the budget by 2015.

Rickford, would continue his responsibilities for the Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario (FedNor).

Further, Ed Holder was sworn in as the new Minister of State for Science and Technology.

“Our government remains focused on creating jobs, growth and long-term prosperity for all Canadians. Oliver, Rickford and Holder bring with them a wealth of skills, knowledge and experience, and I am confident that they will deliver results and provide strong leadership in these important portfolios,” Harper said.

Rickford is based in Kenora, Ontario, and was first elected to the House of Commons in October 2008.

He was appointed Parliamentary Secretary for Official Languages in 2010. In January 2011, he was appointed Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development. In May of the same year, he was given the additional responsibility of Parliamentary Secretary for the FedNor.

In July 2013, Rickford was appointed Minister of State for Science and Technology and for FedNor.

Holder, based in London, Ontario, was first elected to the House of Commons in 2008 and was re-elected in 2011. He had been a member of several committees, including the standing committees on Industry, Science and Technology; International Trade; and Transport, Infrastructure and Communities.

Before being elected, Holder founded Ontario West Insurance, which later merged with Stevenson & Hunt Insurance Brokers, where he became a partner in 1995 and President in 1999. He had also served as president of the board of the London Chamber of Commerce, chairperson of the Board of the London Convention Centre, and served on the board of governors of the University of Western Ontario.

Meanwhile, the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) congratulated Oliver and Rickford on assuming their new positions.

"We are pleased to congratulate ... Oliver on his new position at the Department of Finance. Oliver was an exceptional Minister of Natural Resources and his impressive skills and experience have undoubtedly equipped him to excel in his new role," PDAC president Rodney Thomas said.

"... Rickford has long demonstrated his passion for the natural resources sector and is ideally suited to lead the portfolio. The PDAC congratulates him on his new responsibilities."

Thomas also said that the PDAC thanked Flaherty for his years of service.

“During his tenure, Flaherty oversaw many policies that strengthened Canada's mineral exploration and development sector, including the renewal of the important Mineral Exploration Tax Credit. On behalf of the PDAC, we wish him all the best in his future endeavours,” Thomas said.

"As an industry that employs 418 000 Canadians and contributes over $35-billion in GDP [gross domestic product] yearly, the Canadian minerals industry plays an integral role in the Canadian economy. We look forward to continuing to work together with Ministers Oliver and Rickford to ensure that the Canadian mineral exploration and development sector remains a global powerhouse and source of Canadian pride,” PDAC executive director Ross Gallinger said.