WHAT'S NEW February 7 2006

MONTE SOLBERG APPOINTED MINISTER OF CITIZENSHIP AND IMMIGRATION CANADA IN NEW CONSERVATIVE CABINET - February 7, 2006

On February 6, 2006 , the incoming Conservative Prime Minister Stephen Harper took oath to the office, and appointed Honorable Monte Solberg as Minister of Citizenship and Immigration. Mr. Solberg is the Member of Parliament for Medicine Hat , Alberta.

Monte Solberg was first elected to the House of Commons in 1993, and was re-elected in 1997, 2000, 2004 and 2006. Most recently, Mr. Solberg has served as Finance Critic. His previous parliamentary experience includes periods as Critic for Human Resources Development, for National Revenue and for Foreign Affairs.

Mr. Solberg has been Vice-Chair of the standing committees on Finance, on Human Resources Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities and on Foreign Affairs and International Trade. Mr. Solberg was a member of the executive of the Canada-U.S. Parliamentary Association and from 1999 to 2002 was a delegate to the Canada-U.S. annual meetings.

Prior to entering public life, he was a successful broadcaster. He was also director of the Alberta Association of Broadcasters.

Mr. Solberg is married to Debra and they have two sons.