Trudeau set to shuffle his cabinet Friday after a tumultuous week: sources
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is set to shuffle his cabinet on Friday in response to a series of recent resignations, including Chrystia Freeland’s departure earlier this week. The Prime Minister is under pressure to fill the gaps in his front bench and ensure the smooth functioning of the government.
Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc has been shouldering a heavy workload by holding multiple portfolios, including public safety and intergovernmental affairs. Similarly, Anita Anand is juggling the roles of president of the Treasury Board and transport minister, while Ginette Petitpas Taylor is managing three portfolios simultaneously.
According to sources, the upcoming cabinet shuffle is expected to be consequential. Those ministers who are not running in the next election will be replaced, and new faces will be brought in to ease the burden on those handling multiple responsibilities.
Former Bank of Canada governor Mark Carney will not be considered for the finance portfolio, as confirmed by LeBlanc. Trudeau has been seeking advice from various sources, including former Liberal cabinet minister Navdeep Bains, to navigate the challenges ahead.
Following Freeland’s resignation, Trudeau expressed the need to reflect on the criticisms of his leadership. Calls for his resignation have been growing within his caucus and from party members like Eddie Goldenberg, who believe a new leader is necessary to address issues like U.S. president-elect Donald Trump’s tariff threats.
Goldenberg emphasized the importance of a swift leadership transition to ensure Canada’s interests are protected in trade negotiations. Justice Minister Arif Virani remained non-committal about Trudeau’s future, stating that decisions will be made by the relevant parties.
As the cabinet shuffle approaches, the focus remains on ensuring the government can function effectively and address the challenges facing the country. Trudeau’s leadership and the composition of his cabinet will play a crucial role in shaping Canada’s future trajectory.
