Carney shows 10 ministers from his first cabinet the door
Prime Minister Mark Carney’s new cabinet has undergone significant changes, with 11 ministers from the previous government being left out of the reshuffle. These include former defence minister Bill Blair, former president of the Treasury Board Ginette Petitpas Taylor, and former energy and natural resources minister Jonathan Wilkinson.
Blair, a longtime member of the Trudeau cabinet, had held various portfolios such as public safety, border security, and organized crime reduction. He was replaced by David McGuinty as the new minister of national defence. Petitpas Taylor, who had previously served as health minister and president of the Treasury Board, was succeeded by Shafqat Ali in her role.
Wilkinson, who played a key role in removing President Donald Trump’s tariffs, had served as minister of environment and climate change, fisheries, oceans, and Canadian Coast Guard, as well as natural resources. He was replaced by Tim Hodgson as the new minister of energy and natural resources.
Additionally, MPs Kody Blois, Arielle Kayabaga, and Ali Ehsassi, who had only recently been elevated to cabinet, were also removed from their positions. Kayabaga, who served as Government House Leader, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve in Carney’s cabinet despite not being retained in the reshuffle.
Nathaniel Erskine-Smith, known for his independent stance within the Liberal Party, had previously held the housing portfolio and decided not to seek re-election. However, he changed his mind and successfully defended his seat, leading to his reappointment as housing minister. Former Vancouver mayor Gregor Robertson took over the housing ministry.
The changes in the cabinet reflect Prime Minister Carney’s efforts to bring in new faces and fresh perspectives to his government. As the country navigates through various challenges and opportunities, the composition of the cabinet plays a crucial role in shaping policies and decisions that impact Canadians across the country.
