Prime Minister Mark Carney announced on Thursday that former cabinet minister Marco Mendicino will continue to serve as his chief of staff for the time being. Mendicino was appointed to the role by Carney shortly after his victory in the Liberal leadership race in March. Sources close to the situation had previously indicated that Mendicino’s tenure as chief of staff would be temporary, a fact that Carney alluded to in his social media post on Thursday.

In his announcement, Carney stated, “As we prepare for the Throne Speech, I have asked Mr. Mendicino to stay into the summer to assist with the launch of the government’s mandate in Parliament and to oversee the transition of the Prime Minister’s Office on my behalf. I am thankful that he has agreed to extend his term.”

Carney also expressed gratitude for Mendicino’s support following the Liberal leadership race, the general election, and the transition to government. Originally planning to return to Toronto, Mendicino took on the role of chief of staff at Carney’s request.

The decision to retain Mendicino as chief of staff was met with criticism from opposition parties, who raised concerns about his past actions and decisions while serving in cabinet. Mendicino previously held the position of Public Safety Minister in Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government before being shuffled out of cabinet in 2023. He faced calls for resignation from Conservatives due to his involvement in the transfer of serial killer Paul Bernardo to a medium-security prison.

Additionally, Mendicino came under fire from the NDP for his refusal to support a House motion calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. Despite these criticisms, Mendicino announced in January that he would not seek re-election, citing disagreements with the direction of the government at the time.