As Prime Minister Mark Carney prepares to unveil his new cabinet on Tuesday, Canada’s business community is paying close attention, eager for signs of a new approach that could mark a departure from the Trudeau era. With expectations running high, many in the corporate sector hope that Carney’s cabinet picks will reflect a fresh, more pragmatic direction—particularly when it comes to economic development, infrastructure, and energy.
Business leaders are urging the new prime minister to demonstrate that he’s serious about economic growth by appointing ministers with proven business and international credentials. Matthew Holmes, head of public policy at the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, said the priority should be selecting individuals known for execution over bureaucracy. “We need people who are big thinkers, who are all about delivery,” Holmes stressed, noting the long-standing frustration over Canada’s inability to advance large infrastructure projects due to federal-provincial gridlock and procedural delays.
The urgency is compounded by growing international economic pressures, especially from renewed trade tensions under U.S. President Donald Trump. Holmes warned that if Canada doesn’t move quickly to streamline its project approval and execution systems, the country could fall further behind its global competitors. “This is a crisis moment for the economy,” he said.
Robert Asselin of the Business Council of Canada echoed the need for change, particularly in the energy and environment portfolios. He said Carney must signal a genuine reset in tone and strategy with Western provinces and the energy sector by installing new leadership. “That’s an important test,” Asselin said, emphasizing the need to rebuild trust and open dialogue.
Carney, who initially formed a 24-member cabinet after taking office, is also being urged to resist the expansionist tendencies of his predecessor. Justin Trudeau’s cabinet eventually swelled to 40 ministers, a model business leaders see as bloated and inefficient. A leaner, sharper cabinet, observers argue, would reinforce Carney’s stated focus on economic priorities and nation-building.
Meanwhile, foreign policy and defence remain top of mind as Canada heads into a summer filled with international obligations. Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc and Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly have maintained vital connections with key figures in the Trump administration, such as U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Continuity in these positions may be crucial as Canada prepares to host the G7 summit in Kananaskis and participate in the NATO summit in The Hague, where the next defence minister will need to defend Canada’s pace of military spending.
Fen Hampson, a professor at the Norman Paterson School of International Affairs, said Carney faces a delicate balancing act. While it’s essential to show that this is not just a rebranded version of Trudeau’s government, Carney will also need to retain seasoned ministers who bring competence and stability. “He’s going to have to put a fresh face on the government but keep people who were highly competent around,” Hampson said.
And while many eyes will be on the big-name appointments, Holmes pointed out that some of the most consequential choices might fly under the radar. For example, the next defence minister could play a pivotal role in projecting Canada’s commitment to NATO. “It’ll probably be overlooked initially,” he warned, “but that one can come back to bite us if not done carefully.”
With Parliament set to return in two weeks to tackle a bold legislative agenda—including tax cuts and efforts to eliminate internal trade barriers—Carney’s cabinet decisions could determine whether his government begins with momentum or missteps.