Thunder Bay Superior North MP Patty Hajdu Retains Cabinet Post
New Cabinet Faces U.S. Trade Challenges and Upcoming Federal Election
OTTAWA – Mark Carney was sworn in as Canada’s 24th Prime Minister on Friday, forming a streamlined cabinet to navigate a turbulent political landscape marked by a looming federal election and trade tensions with the United States.
“We’re ready to get to work,” Carney stated as he arrived at Rideau Hall for the swearing-in ceremony.
Key Cabinet Appointments and Changes
François-Philippe Champagne moves from Innovation to Finance Minister, replacing Dominic LeBlanc, who takes on the International Trade and Intergovernmental Affairs portfolio with a special focus on U.S. relations. Mélanie Joly retains Foreign Affairs while adding International Development to her responsibilities.
David McGuinty remains Public Safety Minister, playing a pivotal role in border security amid crackdowns on fentanyl smuggling and illegal immigration.
Chrystia Freeland, a former finance minister and past Liberal leadership contender, returns to cabinet as Transport Minister. Karina Gould, who finished third in the leadership race, was left out of cabinet altogether.
Anita Anand, initially planning to exit politics, was promoted from Transport Minister to Innovation Minister, a key economic post.
Smaller Cabinet, Notable Omissions
Carney’s 24-member cabinet is significantly smaller than Justin Trudeau’s 37-member team. Several former ministers, including Marc Miller and Jean-Yves Duclos, were dropped. Notably, there is no cabinet representation from Alberta or Prince Edward Island, despite the Liberals holding seats in those provinces.
The gender balance remains close, with 13 men and 11 women in cabinet.
Other Major Appointments
- Environment Minister: Terry Duguid replaces Steven Guilbeault, who moves to Heritage Minister and Quebec lieutenant.
- Immigration Minister: Rachel Bendayan steps up from her previous role in Official Languages.
- Fisheries Minister: Joanne Thompson from Newfoundland joins the cabinet.
- Agriculture Minister: Nova Scotia MP Kody Blois takes over.
- Public Services and Procurement Minister: Toronto MP Ali Ehsassi appointed.
- Health Minister: Kamal Khera moves up from a junior Diversity portfolio.
Several key ministers, including Bill Blair (Defence), Patty Hajdu (Indigenous Services), and Jonathan Wilkinson (Natural Resources), retain their roles.
Trudeau Officially Steps Down
Earlier on Friday, Justin Trudeau visited Rideau Hall to formally resign after nearly a decade as prime minister, marking a new era for the Liberal government under Carney’s leadership.
