NNSL (June 13/97) - There were few surprises earlier this week when Prime Minister Jean Chretien announced his selection of Cabinet and secretary of state postings for his government.

Western Arctic MP Ethel Blondin-Andrew, who was secretary of state for youth and training prior to the June 2 election has been named secretary of state for children and youth.

"We have an excellent team to lead Canada into the new millennium," said Chretien, Monday, in a news release.

"Our job now is to build on the accomplishments of our first mandate and work with Canadians to meet the challenges that face our country."

He said his new ministry will begin work immediately to prepare the program for its second mandate that will be presented to Parliament in the fall.

Also of note in the Cabinet is the new Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development Jane Stewart, who was the Minister of National Revenue prior to the election.

The MP for Brant takes over the portfolio from Ron Irwin who didn't seek re-election but will remain with the government as an advisor.

Stewart was first elected in 1993 and was named National Revenue Minister in January, 1996.

Before entering Cabinet, she served as Chair of the National Liberal Caucus and was a member of the Commons Finance Committee.

Prior to her 1993 election, Stewart was a self-employed human resources consultant.