Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault is getting a new portfolio in Carney’s cabinet: source

Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault is set to receive a new portfolio in Mark Carney’s cabinet, according to a source familiar with the decision. The Montreal MP, who has been in charge of environmental issues since 2021, will now be responsible for a variety of files within the government, although he will no longer be the primary figure in the fight against climate change. This news comes as a surprise to Guilbeault, who only recently learned of the change.

The shift in Guilbeault’s role reflects Carney’s intention to depart from the previous administration’s policies, particularly the consumer carbon tax that Guilbeault had staunchly defended. This stance had made him a divisive figure in certain parts of the country, often clashing with Alberta Premier Danielle Smith. Carney, who once supported carbon pricing, campaigned on eliminating the carbon tax and reiterated this pledge in his acceptance speech on Monday.

Despite Guilbeault’s past support for the carbon tax, he had indicated earlier in the year that he was open to exploring alternative measures to help Canada meet its climate targets. He attributed the negative perception of the federal scheme to Conservative “disinformation.” Guilbeault had also publicly endorsed Carney during the leadership race, signaling his alignment with the new prime minister’s vision.

Carney’s plans for a more streamlined cabinet, aimed at addressing the challenges posed by the trade war initiated by U.S. President Donald Trump and the resulting economic instability, have been hinted at by sources close to the government. The new cabinet is expected to consist of 15 to 20 members, a significant reduction from the 37 ministers in Justin Trudeau’s administration.

Key figures in the Canada-U.S. relations sphere, such as Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly, Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc, and Innovation Minister François-Philippe Champagne, are likely to retain their positions in the upcoming cabinet reshuffle. The transition is set to begin on Friday, with Trudeau meeting with Governor General Mary Simon to formally resign and recommend the appointment of the new leader to form a government and select a new ministry.

As Canada prepares for a new era under Carney’s leadership, the changes in Guilbeault’s role and the overall composition of the cabinet signal a shift in priorities and strategies in addressing pressing environmental and economic challenges.