Former Conservative cabinet ministers Kevin Conway and Kellie Leitch have been appointed as co-chairs of the Liberal Party’s executive committee, the party announced Monday.
The party says Conway and Leitch will serve as co to the newly-formed executive committee and will be part of the Trudeau team.
Conway, who was an MP from Winnipeg, will be deputy chair of the party’s national and regional committees.
He also will be on the board of the federal party’s political director, which he joined in 2013.
He was the first person appointed to that position, replacing Jim Munson.
Conway will also serve as the co-chair of the Liberals’ provincial and territorial affairs committee.
“I am proud to be a part of this Liberal team,” Conway said in a statement.
“The Liberal Party is committed to delivering an inclusive and sustainable party and a strong progressive voice to Canadians across the country.”
Conway was first elected in 2006.
He served as the Conservative MP for Winnipeg Centre from 2006 to 2013 and was the federal finance minister from 2012 to 2016.
Conway said his new role will allow him to help the Liberals “deliver a strong economic message that puts the needs of everyday Canadians first.”
“We are committed to creating an environment where Canadians can be heard and trusted,” he said.
“And, I look forward to working with the Liberal team to ensure we are able to deliver on this promise.”
Conway said the Liberals are looking forward to having him on board.
“Kevin is a very capable and experienced member of the government of Canada who will be able to make our party a stronger and more effective political organization,” said NDP leader Jagmeet Singh.
“We look forward working with him to deliver a more focused, effective and transparent Liberal Party.”
Conway, 66, served as a cabinet minister under Harper from 2012 until 2013.
After a brief stint in private practice, he left politics in 2014 and began working for an advertising agency.
He has a doctorate in political science from the University of Toronto and has served as vice-president of communications for the Manitoba Liberal Party.
He said his appointment is “a real coup for our party and one that I am excited about.”
“I think it is a real boost to the Liberal brand in Manitoba,” he told CBC News.
“Our party has been in disarray for a while now, and I think it’s a real sign that this government is committed and willing to take a look at what needs to be done to revitalize the party.”
Conway told CBC that he is happy to be on board with the Liberals, and is looking forward a “long and healthy relationship with them.”
The Liberal Party did not say how many people were involved in the hiring process, but Conway said he is excited to work with the party.
“It’s going to be very exciting,” he added.
“If I can help the party grow and have a positive impact on Manitoba, I am absolutely delighted to be part, I will do whatever it takes to help.”
