Pamela Goldsmith-Jones is moving back to foreign affairs.
Jones, MP for West Vancouver—Sunshine Coast—Sea to Sky Country, was previously parliamentary secretary to the Minister of International Trade Diversification.
On Friday, Aug. 31, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau appointed her parliamentary secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs Chrystia Freeland.
“The parliamentary secretaries will support their respective cabinet ministers to deliver real results for Canadians, and help the Government continue to grow the economy and strengthen the middle class,” read the government news release announcing the appointments.
Goldsmith-Jones previously served as parliamentary secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs from December 2015 to January 2017. She took on the international trade role in January of 2017.
“Thank you, Prime Minister Trudeau, for appointing me parliamentary secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs for consular affairs,” said Goldsmith-Jones in a video posted to Facebook. “I would also like to thank Minister (François-Philippe) Champagne for his leadership as Minister of International Trade while I was his parliamentary secretary. It is a distinct honour and a true privilege to be able to serve alongside minister Freeland together with my colleague, parliamentary secretary, (Ottawa MP) Andy Leslie.”
In practical terms, the parliamentary secretaries assist ministers by helping them maintain contacts with senators and other members of the House of Commons. They also play a liaison role within the government caucus and may be called on to answer questions on their minister's behalf during question period, if their minister is away.
Their term is 12 months long, though their role may be renewed at the end of that term. They earn an additional salary of $14,600 per term. The role can also serve as a training ground for future cabinet ministers.
For the full list of newly appointed parliamentary secretaries go here.
