The Member of Parliament for Brandon-Souris has a new role in Ottawa.

Larry Maguire has been elected Vice-Chair of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage.

Maguire may preside over meetings of the Committee in the absence of the Chair. When presiding, Maguire will be responsible for recognizing members and witnesses who wish to speak during a meeting and for ensuring that all established rules are followed.

“I look forward to working with the other members of the Committee to ensure there is appropriate parliamentary oversight of this key department, especially in this important time as we prepare to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Canada’s Confederation in 2017” said Maguire.

As part of the Heritage portfolio, the Committee oversees the Department of Canadian Heritage and 20 Crown corporations and agencies, and is responsible for studies involving the CBC, the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC), Library and Archives Canada and the National Capital Commission.

Maguire concluded, “I will reach out to local museums, heritage organizations and the arts community in the months to come to ensure their voices are heard in Parliament. I will continue to be a strong representative of Westman at every turn.”