The Latest: Justin Trudeau shuffles his cabinet as his future remains in question
Written by The Canadian Press on December 20, 2024
OTTAWA — Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is shuffling his cabinet today, filling vacancies left by Liberals who have left their posts or don’t plan to run in the next federal election.
The shuffle comes after Chrystia Freeland’s resignation as finance minister and deputy prime minister sent shock waves in Canadian politics and intensified calls for the prime minister to step down.
Here’s the latest:
11 a.m.
Cabinet ministers and those about to become a cabinet minister have started arriving at Rideau Hall in Ottawa.
It is the coldest day of the year thus far in the capital city – and the coldest December day in five years according to some weather watchers.
Rachel Bendayan, soon to be sworn in as minister of official languages and associate minister of public safety, arrived with her husband and daughter.
Ruby Sahota, who is about to become the minister of democratic institutions, arrived with her son, Nihal.
Gary Anandasangaree, who is having his portfolio of Crown-Indigenous relations adjusted slightly to add northern affairs, arrived solo.
10:30 a.m.
The Canadian Press has confirmed there will be eight new ministers in cabinet while four others will have their roles changed.
The new faces include Montreal MP Rachel Bendayan, Winnipeg MP Terry Duguid, Toronto MP Nate Erskine-Smith, Ottawa MP David McGuinty, Dartmouth, N.S. MP Darren Fisher, Brampton, Ont. MP Ruby Sahota, St. John’s MP Joanne Thompson and Sherbrooke, Que. MP Élisabeth Brière.
Anita Anand will stay on as minister of transport but the role of president of the Treasury Board will go to Ginette Petitpas Taylor. Steven MacKinnon will add employment minister to his role as labour minister, while Gary Anandasangaree will add northern affairs to his existing role as minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations.
The shuffle is schedule to take place at 11:30 a.m.
Trudeau’s public itinerary does not include a media availability today.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 20, 2024.
Nojoud Al Mallees, The Canadian Press