Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will shuffle his cabinet on Friday morning in a swearing-in ceremony at Rideau Hall, as political challenges mount following a turbulent week that saw the resignation of Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland and growing calls for Trudeau to step down as Liberal leader.
Freeland’s unexpected resignation on December 16 intensified pressure on Trudeau, who was already preparing a cabinet shuffle to replace five ministers not seeking re-election in the next federal election. Now, Trudeau must also find a replacement for the finance portfolio, temporarily held by Dominic LeBlanc, who is juggling that role alongside his duties as Public Safety Minister.
Five ministers confirmed they will not run in the next election, prompting replacements:
- Sean Fraser (Housing)
- Carla Qualtrough (Sport)
- Marie-Claude Bibeau (National Revenue)
- Dan Vandal (Northern Affairs)
- Filomena Tassi (Southern Ontario Economic Development)
Additionally, Trudeau is expected to appoint a new Public Safety Minister to relieve LeBlanc of dual responsibilities. Similar dual roles were given to other ministers earlier this year, with Anita Anand managing Transport alongside her role as Treasury Board President, and Jeanette Petitpas Taylor overseeing Employment and Official Languages in addition to Veterans Affairs.
The cabinet shuffle comes as Trudeau faces significant internal dissent. Toronto MP and Foreign Affairs Parliamentary Secretary Rob Oliphant called for an “urgent meeting” of his riding association executive to discuss leadership concerns, stating, “What’s best for Canada comes first and our party comes second.”
New Brunswick Liberal MP Wayne Long echoed these sentiments earlier in the week, claiming that 40 to 50 caucus members, including five cabinet ministers, believe Trudeau should step down as leader.
Despite the turmoil, Dominic LeBlanc stated on Thursday that Trudeau still has the full support of the cabinet to remain as leader. However, Freeland’s resignation and growing internal dissatisfaction signal challenging days ahead for the Prime Minister.
The cabinet shuffle is a critical moment for Trudeau’s leadership, as he seeks to stabilize his government and address growing concerns both within his party and across the country.