Parry Sound-Muskoka MP Tony Clement is already “up to (his) eyeballs” in briefings and information pertaining to his new post as federal industry minister.

After a cabinet shuffle last Thursday by Prime Minister Stephen Harper, Clement has been assigned a portfolio that encompasses a wide variety of responsibilities, including industry and technology capability, fostering scientific research, setting telecommunications policy and promoting investment, trade, tourism and small business development.

First and foremost in his mind now, however, is enabling Canada to weather the global economic storm currently crashing down on the world markets.

“There’s no question that the future of Canada’s economy is the number one issue facing Canadians and facing my riding (and) to be part of the senior economic team is an honour and privilege,” Clement told this newspaper Friday. “I certainly have some short-term challenges . . . as we move forward with the fall economic statement.”

Industry Canada, the department Clement will now head, is also charged with keeping Canada competitive in global markets.

“Science and technology, innovation, regulatory things to make sure there’s competition in the marketplace to protect consumers,” all fall under Clement’s purview now, he said.

His work will also include an international aspect, researching how other countries attract and retain foreign investment, and working with international trade minister Stockwell Day.

“A number of our successful Canadian companies like RIM (Research in Motion), our auto sector is international . . . . (So there’s) national elements to this but also broader elements as well,” he said.

As industry minister, Clement will retain the FedNor portfolio, as it typically falls under the industry minister, but was delegated to Clement by former industry minister Jim Prentice.

Clement’s former position as federal minister of health has gone to Leona Aglukkaq, a rookie MP from Nunavut.

“I’ve known her for a couple years obviously as (I was) federal minister (of health and) she was the provincial minister for Nunavut and I encouraged her to run for parliament so I feel like I’m her older brother almost,” said Clement. “She’s going to do a great job… I’m convinced.”

When asked about his view on the new session of parliament, scheduled to start Nov. 18 with a throne speech, Clement said he remains an optimist.

“My view is that we have to find ways to work together if at all possible with the opposition parties,” he said. “Canadians can not only survive, we can thrive. (The) government has to make the right decisions, and I’m looking forward to working with my opposition counterparts . . . . I don’t think there’s any monopoly of good ideas. I’m perfectly willing to work with them, (which is) the general tone the prime minister is expecting of us.”