Tina Keeper – known to TV audiences for her Gemini-winning turn on North of 60 – has stepped into a new role as the Heritage critic for the federal Liberals, which last week named its shadow cabinet.

Keeper, the MP for the northern Manitoba riding of Churchill, was first elected in 2006 and served on the standing committee for Heritage. She will face off against Bev Oda (Durham), the minister of Canadian Heritage, when Parliament resumes on Jan. 29.

Keeper starred on CBC’s North of 60 for five seasons and was quick to come down on recent culture cuts by the Tories, citing museums and aboriginal-language programs. ‘These cuts have been devastating to individuals, organizations and communities all across the country,’ she said in a statement.

The Liberals also tapped John McCallum (Markham-Unionville) and Scott Brison (Kings-Hants) as the critics for Finance and Industry, respectively.