"My objective is to fit into the big boots left by Jim Prentice and John Baird," said Kent, adding, "I'm not going to stand by while outsiders slander Canada, Canadian practices and values and our ethical oil products. Communications is going to be a big part of my job." Mr. Kent is the fifth Environment Minister in fiver years.

Ed Whitingham, newly appointed director of the Pembina Institute, issued the newly minted minister with a list of New Year Resolutions for Minister Kent:

• Resolution #1: Improve environmental monitoring of oilsands development and ensure existing rules are enforced.
• Resolution #2: Recognize the compelling scientific and economic reasons to take action on climate change and produce a real plan to move Canada forward.
• Resolution #3: Deliver a plan to phase out coal-powered electricity generation.

Green Party Leader Elizabeth May stated, "Peter Kent will not do anything different. He was hired for his communications skills to skate around Canada's continuing sabotage of the climate process."

"We need an advocate in this government. It would be very disappointing and distressing to learn that right at the beginning that Mr. Kent has no ambition to improve what's generally seen as a failed ministry at this point," said Liberal Environment Critic Gerrard Kennedy.

"Peter Kent has very little experience in public administration and none whatsoever in the environment. Environment remains an extremely important portfolio for the future. We have moral, ethical and legal responsibilities towards future generations," said NDP Deputy Leader Thomas Mulcair.