At the same time, couldn't it actually be just at face value, with respect to diversifying the cabinet geographically?
I mean, he did say "he still intends to proceed with naming elected senators, but defended the appointment as a way to provide the city of Montreal a voice in cabinet."
I think it's a bit early to start overanalyzing the government's moves. After all, the Liberals ran a campaign that Canada would implode if the Conservatives have gotten into power. Interesting that you hold Harper and the Conservatives to a higher standard than the Liberals, and chastize them for (in your own words) doing the same things the Liberals do, simply because it was part of his campaign. You make it sound like the rest of the parties stick to their guns and fulfill their campaign promises 100% of the time.