Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper yesterday unveiled his newly shuffled cabinet and promised that the government will be focused on protecting Canadians during the current economic crisis.

Jim Flaherty holds on as finance minister to spearhead Canada through the worst financial crisis in more than a decade. He had predicted a "tough time " ahead for Canada and put forward several measures to shore up the financial system.

In a statement, Harper said that "while the fundamentals of Canada's economy remain stronger, more stable and more durable than those of many other nations, it is clear that we are not immune to what happens outside our borders."

"This is the right team for these times. We will build a foundation of strength that will protect the earnings, savings and financial security of Canadians and ensure that Canada emerges from this time of global turmoil stronger than ever before."

Harper expanded his cabinet from 31 members to 38, and increased the number of women ministers from seven to 11.

Peter MacKay will remain as defense minister and Lawrence Cannon, a bilingual speaker from Quebec, will take on as foreign minister.

Three female new parliament members were given key posts, Lisa Raitt from Ontario at natural resources, former Nunavut Health Minister Leona Aglukkaq at health, and Gail Shea from Prince Edward Island province at fisheries.

Harper moved Industry Minister Jim Prentice to environment, Stockwell Day to the trade minister's job from the public safety portfolio.

The shuffle follows the Oct. 14 election in which the Conservatives won 143 of the 308 House of Commons seats.