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MP Duncan named Conservative 'whip'

North Island MP John Duncan is back in the federal cabinet and is responsible for party discipline

North Island MP John Duncan is back in the federal Conservative cabinet.

In Monday's cabinet shuffle, Prime Minister Stephen Harper named Duncan chief government whip and minister of state.

The party whip ensures party discipline among members of the caucus and is also responsible for assigning offices and scheduling speakers from his or her party for various bills, motions and other proceedings in the House of Commons.

This is the veteran MP's second stint as a cabinet minister. He was formerly minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Economic Development, but resigned this past february due to an inappropriate letter he sent to the Tax Court of Canada regarding a constituent.