Calgary MP Michelle Rempel to join cabinet

Rookie Calgary MP Michelle Rempel was promoted to cabinet as Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced a major retooling of his front bench on Monday.

Rempel is the new minister of state for western economic diversificationone of eight new cabinet members, four of whom are women.

"To the young women of this countrywe can make it in #cdnpoli. Run for office. #glassceilingsaremeanttobebroken," she tweeted after Harper announced her inclusion in cabinet also via Twitter.

Rempel, who represents Calgary Centre-North, worked as a management consultant and was the director of the University of Calgarys Institutional Programs Division before being elected in 2011.

She also co-chairs the Conservative Party's national policy committee.

Mount Royal University political scientist Duane Bratt said the post is a stepping stone for Rempel.

"She's in a minister of state position, which is not quite full cabinet. It's more of a junior position, but it's clearly a sign. That's where you begin."

Kenney moves to employment

Jason Kenney, MP for Calgary Southeast, is the new minister of employment and social development.

Ontario MP Chris Alexander takes over Kenneysformer postas minister of citizenship, immigration and multiculturalism.

Kevin Sorenson, Calgary MP for Crowfoot,was also appointedtobe theminister of state for financereplacing Alberta MP Ted Menzies.

Menzies announced in early July he would not be running in the next election in 2015.

Calgary MP Diane Ablonczy, who was formerly theminister of state for foreign affairs, also stepped aside before the cabinet shuffle asshewill not be seeking re-election in the next federal vote.

She was replaced by Saskatchewan MP Lynn Yelich, who represents the riding of Blackstrap.