Canadian PM Harper seeks new life in reshuffled cabinet

0 Comments | AFP, August, 2007

OTTAWA (AFP) — Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper sought new life for his minority government Tuesday by reshuffling his cabinet, notably replacing his defense chief who was accused of mishandling Canada's military involvement in Afghanistan.

Harper replaced defense minister Gordon O'Connor after a series of blunders regarding the Canadian mission in Afghanistan, including a fracas over their handling of Afghan prisoners, misstatements over the future mission profile and over burials for soldiers killed in the conflict.

The missteps had made O'Connor a lightning rod for criticism from the opposition, and threatened to weaken Harper's government.

In a news conference, Harper emphasized the importance of the 2,500-troop force's role in Afghanistan to his...