Canadian PM Trudeau appoints 31-member Cabinet

Liberal leader Justin Trudeau on Wednesday named a 31-member Cabinet here as he was sworn into office as Canada's 23rd prime minister.

The Liberal government's Cabinet included a mix of fresh faces and political veterans. Bill Morneau, a new political newcomer, has been appointed as finance minister, while former Liberal leader Stephane Dion has become foreign affairs minister and Ralph Goodale has become public safety minister.

Trudeau issued a statement touting the strength of his Cabinet' s diversity, gender equality and experience, promising to collaborate with the provinces, rebuild relations with indigenous Canadians, and run an open, ethical and transparent government.

"We will shine more light on government to ensure it remains focused on the people it is meant to serve," the new prime minister said.

Trudeau, 43, last month defeated the then incumbent Stephen Harper of Conservative Party. Harper on his last day as the nation's prime minister sent "a thank you" letter to the government's public servants. Enditem