2 more Trudeau cabinet ministers won’t seek re-election
Two Cabinet Ministers, Arif Virani and Mary Ng, Announce They Won’t Seek Re-Election
Justice Minister Arif Virani and International Trade Minister Mary Ng have both announced that they will not be running in the next federal election. Their decisions mark the fifth and sixth ministers in Justin Trudeau’s cabinet to make this announcement since the prime minister shuffled his cabinet in December. Including Trudeau himself, the number rises to seven.
In a statement, Virani, a Toronto MP, expressed his gratitude for serving as the Member of Parliament for Parkdale-High Park for three consecutive elections. He described the decision to not seek re-election as one made with a heavy heart after much contemplation over the past few weeks.
Virani, who was first elected in 2015, has held various roles within the government, including serving as a parliamentary secretary for immigration, heritage, justice, and international trade before being appointed as justice minister in 2023.
Mary Ng, who became an MP after winning a 2017 byelection in the riding of Markham-Thornhill, also announced her decision not to seek re-election. She was appointed minister of small business in 2018 and later took on the international trade portfolio.
In her statement, Ng highlighted her focus on protecting Canada’s trade relationship with the United States and Mexico through the CUSMA agreement. She emphasized the importance of navigating challenges such as U.S. tariffs and ensuring Canada’s economic future.
Both Virani and Ng have pledged to continue serving as ministers and MPs until the next election. Virani reflected on the impact of his political career on his family, acknowledging the sacrifices they have made over the years.
Joining other cabinet members who have opted not to seek re-election, including Anita Anand, Gudie Hutchings, Harjit Sajjan, and Soraya Martinez Ferrada, Virani and Ng’s decisions mark a shift within the federal government. Ferrada recently resigned from cabinet to run for mayor of Montreal, while the others remain in their current roles.
