Stephen Harper says no cabinet shuffle, prorogation until mid-term

CALGARY – Prime Minister Stephen Harper says he doesn’t foresee any major changes in his government until midway through its majority mandate.

Speaking on an Alberta radio show (Rutherford CHQR-CHED), Harper ruled out both a major cabinet shuffle and prorogation of the House of Commons until then.

Prorogation is when the legislature “re-sets” itself with a new throne speech.

Harper says he considered the move some time ago, but decided there are still important pieces of legislation before the House that need to be passed.

He also says the performance of cabinet ministers will be assessedhalfway through his government’s mandate.

Harper’s Conservatives won a majority in May 2011 and the next election is tentatively set for October 2015.