Ottawa - Today Prime Minister Stephen Harper named Lambton-Kent-Middlesex M.P Bev as Chair of the Southwestern Ontario Caucus.

Shipley said he was honoured by the Prime Minister's appointment and looks forward to his new responsibilities to help make sure issues important to the region remain a top priority on the government's agenda.

The appointment makes Shipley a leading government voice for the area stretching from west of Toronto, including Niagara to Windsor and north to Bruce-Grey-Owen-Sound.

In his new position Shipley will chair a group of 22 fellow Conservatives, including three cabinet ministers.

In accepting the new post, Shipley paid tribute to out going Chair, Elgin Middlesex M.P Joe Preston.  Joe has done a terrific job and certainly I and other Members of the Southwest Caucus admire and appreciate Joe's fine work.