Chris Alexander

Chris Alexander: The move surprised many at the time, leaving some wondering whether Alexander would be able to handle the portfolio as adeptly as his predecessor, Jason Kenney , who has been credited with wooing the ethnic vote for the Conservatives in the GTA and helping lock up a Conservative majority in the last election, according to The Star. But maintaining a firm hand on the department hasnt been easy. The reforms to immigration and refugee policy have triggered not only criticism from advocacy groups and opposition politicians, but also a federal court challenge on health care cuts to refugees and When Chris Alexander took over the immigration portfolio in a cabinet shuffle last summer, it was seen as a major vote of confidence in the rookie MP and a move by Stephen Harper to infuse some fresh young talent into cabinet. Alexander, 44, seems to be equally skilled at getting out the governments message. He recently held a news conference to announce the relaunch this week of the grandparent and parent sponsorship program, and then made headlines by giving Canadian e-passports to Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.