Robert-Falcon Ouellette not in Justin Trudeau's cabinet despite predictions
Winnipeg Centre’s Robert-Falcon Ouellette says not making cabinet gives him more freedom
Newly elected Liberal MP Robert-Falcon Ouellette won't be in Justin Trudeau's cabinet, which is scheduled to be revealed on Wednesday.
In last month's election, Ouellette beat long-time NDP incumbent Pat Martin to represent the Winnipeg Centre riding, and it was speculated he was a top candidate for a ministerial role in Ottawa.
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But on Tuesday, Ouellette said a cabinet post wasn't happening.
"I am not intending to get on an airplane, you know, I'd love to have the call, but obviously, I think there are people who are very well qualified in the caucus," he said. "We could fill up four cabinets at 40-a-piece, literally, with the quality of people we have in the Liberal caucus."
When asked if he was disappointed he didn't make the cut, Ouellette said he has a lot to do in his riding, and now, he'll be able to avoid being "bogged down in trying to deal with bureaucracy in one specific department."
He said for the first 10 days after being elected, he only slept three hours a night.
"I have a lot to do in Winnipeg Centre, and I think it's going to give me a bit more freedom to do what I need to do," he said. "I'm really excited, obviously."