OTTAWA – On Thursday, NDP Leader Don Davies announced that MPs Gord Johns (Courtenay Alberni) and Lori Idlout (Nunavut) exchanged critic files.

MP Johns becomes the new NDP critic for Heritage, while MP Idlout adds Defense to her critic portfolio.

Adding Defense to Idlout’s file complements her work on Arctic Sovereignty and Security. In a time when Canada’s arctic is increasingly strategic, Idlout will ensure that Prime Minister Carney’s investments are helping the communities and service members who need it.

With Johns adding Heritage to his file, he is able to use his voice to promote and protect Canadian art, culture and sport. With the annexation threats from US President Trump, the need to stand up for Canadian culture is stronger now than ever before.