Victoria MP Murray Rankin got a pat on the back and a new job from NDP Leader Tom Mulcair on Friday.
Rankin was named the NDP’s health critic – a plum job within caucus. He replaces Vancouver MP Libby Davies, who is retiring.
“It’s a big deal and I’m excited about it,” Rankin said.
Rankin gained a lot of traction on his previous file, as national revenue critic, where he held the government to task on politically-motivated audits of charities and attacking tax haven loopholes.
The rookie MP said he has his work cutout for him, noting that Davies did a very good job in the health critic role for many years.
He looks forward to the challenge.
“We’re pushing against a government that’s hellbent for leather in privatizing, or radically cutting back, on the state’s commitment to socialized medicine,” Rankin said.
“I’m going to be leading the charge against the $36 billion that they’re [the conservatives] are cutting out of the budget over the next few years.”
MP Pierre Dionne Labelle takes over from Rankin as the national revenue critic. Rankin will also be the deputy critic for national revenue.