There’s a lot of speculation making the rounds about Harper’s first Cabinet shuffle, expected in early January. I wouldn’t expect a massive shuffle, but most agree Rona Ambrose’s days in environment are numbered. Since it’s become the highest profile Cabinet position of late and it’s in the mutual interests of the NDP and Tories to cut a deal on the environment, Harper’s decision will be a crucial one. Among some of the people I could see winding up there:

1. Lawrence Cannon – Having a Quebecer in the file might be a wise move for political reasons and Cannon seems to be one of Harper’s most trusted Ministers.

2. Peter MacKay – Would allow Harper to change things up at Foreign Affairs as well, where MacKay’s performance has been rather mixed.

3. Monte Solberg – Handles the media better than anyone and with an election around the corner, half the job for the Minister of the Environment is really just PR.

4. Dianne Ablonczkskszxtckzktxckzzy – Was one of the more high profile omissions in Harper’s first Cabinet.