Hamilton MP Filomena Tassi shifts cabinet role for family health reasons

Hamilton | Latest News | Politics |

By

Published August 31, 2022 at 11:18 am

MP for Hamilton West —Ancaster — Dundas, Filomena Tassi, was sworn in as the Federal Minister of Public Services and Procurement in October 2021. — Photo courtesy Tassi's Facebook page

Hamilton MP Filomena Tassi is taking a new cabinet position with fewer travel demands to spend more time with her family.

Helena Jaczek, MP for Markham—Stoufville, is taking on the role of minister of public services and procurement, replacing Tassi.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced today he is appointing Tassi to Jaczek’s previous role as minister for the federal economic development agency for southern Ontario.

In a statement posted to Facebook, Tassi says she is “honoured and looking forward to taking on this new responsibility to help grow the economy and create good, well-paying, middle class jobs in Southern Ontario.”

She thanked the Prime Minister for accommodating her request to take a role with fewer travel demands.

“Early last year, my husband suffered two strokes,” she said. “As anyone whose family has had a similar experience will know, post-stroke care can be complex and filled with uncertainty.”

She met Trudeau last month to discuss balancing the needs of her family with the travel demands on the Minister of Public Services and Procurement. The department has operations in every corner of Canada, she said.

“As Minister for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario I will continue to help create more opportunities for Canadians and their businesses while also being able to remain closer to home during this time,” Tassi said.

“I want to thank the Prime Minister for approaching my situation as a challenge to be addressed and solved, rather than as a choice to be made between family or public service,” she continued. “I also want to thank my husband and family who have supported me throughout my political career so that I can best serve Canadians and represent the people of Hamilton West–Ancaster–Dundas.”

Tassi was first elected as member of parliament for the riding of Hamilton West-Ancaster-Dundas in 2015.

She has previously served as the Minister of Labour and Minister of Seniors.

insauga's Editorial Standards and Policies advertising