The Federal Landscape: Prime Minister Carney Names New Cabinet

This morning, Prime Minister Mark Carney's new Cabinet comprised of 28 ministers and 10 Secretaries of State was sworn in at Rideau Hall.

Carney's government is preparing to pursue an ambitious agenda, which includes strengthening Canada's economy, managing Canada’s economic and security relationship with the United States, reducing the cost of living, addressing housing affordability, and positioning Canada as a leader in artificial intelligence and clean energy.

What Does it Mean?

Prime Minister Carney's cabinet sees some changes from the Trudeau-government era with several high-profile cabinet ministers being excluded, including Jonathan Wilkinson (former Natural Resources Minister), Bill Blair (former Defence Minister), and Kody Blois (former Agriculture Minister).

Despite these changes, the Carney cabinet has the appearance of the inner cabinet circle that surrounded Justin Trudeau over the past decade. François-Philippe Champagne returns to cabinet as Minister of Finance and National Revenue. He previously served as Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry and Minister of Foreign Affairs in the Trudeau government. Chrystia Freeland, formerly Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister under Trudeau, stays in cabinet as Minister of Transport and Internal Trade.

Dominic LeBlanc now holds the position of President of the King's Privy Council for Canada and Minister responsible for Canada-U.S. Trade, Intergovernmental Affairs and One Canadian Economy. Leblanc had already stepped into the role managing the Canada-U.S. relationship under Trudeau, and his appointment underscores the Carney government's prioritization of continuity and sound management of the Canada-U.S. relationship.

Anita Anand's appointment as Minister of Foreign Affairs, replacing Mélanie Joly, brings a new voice to Canada's international diplomacy. Having previously served as Minister of National Defence, President of the Treasury Board, and Minister of Public Services and Procurement, Anand brings a new perspective, though those who have been critical of the churn at the top of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs are unlikely to be impressed by a sixth Minister of Foreign Affairs in less than ten years.

The appointment of former Goldman Sachs banker Tim Hodgson as Minister of Energy and Natural Resources is a significant shift in leadership for a portfolio crucial to Canada's economic and environmental future. Replacing Jonathan Wilkinson, Hodgson takes over a ministry responsible for managing Canada's vast natural resources, including energy development, forestry, and mining sectors.

The Labour and International Development files are now assigned to Secretaries of State – second tier cabinet ministers in the Carney government. As the Carney government looks to overhaul how and where Canada gets military equipment from while achieving NATO spending targets, Defence Procurement gets its own secretary of state.

Prime Minister Carney's cabinet composition suggests a renewed focus on economic development and international trade relationships. By keeping experienced ministers in key economic and international roles while bringing fresh perspectives to other portfolios, Carney is attempting to balance continuity and experience on major files with a message of change from the Trudeau-era of government.

Carney’s cabinet leaves a lot to be desired for an agitated contingent of western provinces with rising separatist sentiment. The three prairie provinces will be represented with two ministers and one secretary. While Edmonton-Centre MP Eleanor Olszewski has a seat at the cabinet table and Saskatchewan MP Buckley Belanger will serve as a Secretary of State, Calgary’s sole Liberal MP Corey Hogan didn’t make the cut, and the continuation of Alberta-agitator Steven Guilbeault serving as a Minister of the Crown will not land well.

Regionally, the Carney cabinet gives the most love to Ontario with 11 ministers and 3 secretaries, while Quebec (7 ministers and 2 secretaries) and Atlantic Canada (5 ministers and 1 secretary) are also well represented. British Columbia feels like a bit of an afterthought with 2 ministers and 3 secretaries.

What Comes Next?

With the Cabinet now sworn in, ministers will receive their mandate letters from the Prime Minister in the coming weeks, outlining Carney's expectations and priorities.

Parliament will return on May 26 with the first order of business being the election of a speaker. The following day, King Charles III will deliver the Speech from the Throne outlining the government's plans and priorities for the new session.

As the federal government transitions expect to see staffing changes as ministers fill out their offices. The Prime Minister is also expected to appoint a cadre of Parliamentary Secretaries. Moreover, the Liberals are on a short timeline with Mark Carney’s promise to eliminate interprovincial trade barriers by Canada Day.