Harper takes charge

Stephen Harper, was on Tuesday sworn in as Canada8217;s 22nd Prime Minister, two weeks after his party8217;s narrow victory paved the way for the country8217;s first Conservative government since 1993.

8216;8216;It is a great honour and a feeling of great responsibility to be sworn in as the 22nd Prime Minister of Canada,8217;8217; said Harper and named a 27-member cabinet, including himself, down from the 39 that Paul Martin named in 2004.

8216;8216;I8217;ve assembled a smaller cabinet, but one I believe is more focused and more effective,8221; said Harper. 8212;PTI