Wednesday, December 17, 2025
ADVT 
National

The Latest: Justin Trudeau shuffles his cabinet as his future remains in question

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 20 Dec, 2024 10:46 AM
  • The Latest: Justin Trudeau shuffles his cabinet as his future remains in question

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is shuffling his cabinet today, filling vacancies left by Liberals who have left their posts or don't plan to run in the next federal election. 

The shuffle comes after Chrystia Freeland's resignation as finance minister and deputy prime minister sent shock waves in Canadian politics and intensified calls for the prime minister to step down.

Here's the latest. All times in Eastern.

11:45 a.m.

A ceremony to swear in new cabinet ministers kicks off at Rideau Hall in the presence of the prime minister and Governor General Mary Simon.

Ginette Ginette Petitpas Taylor is sworn in as president of the Treasury Board, David McGuinty as public safety minister and Anita Anand as minister of transport and internal trade. 

Steven MacKinnon is sworn in as minister of employment workforce development and labour. 

Gary Anandasangaree takes on northern affairs to his existing role as minister of Crown-Indigenous relations.

The prime minister also welcomes new faces into cabinet. 

Ruby Sahota becomes minister of democratic institutions and minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario. 

Rachel Bendayan is sworn in as minister of official languages and associate minister of public safety while Élisabeth Brière becomes minister of national revenue.

Terry Duguid takes his oath to become minister of sport and minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada. 

Nate Erskine-Smith becomes minister of housing, infrastructure and communities. 

Darren Fisher takes on the roles of minister of veteran affairs and associate minister of national defence. 

Joanne Thompson becomes minister of seniors.

11:30 a.m.

Dartmouth, N.S. MP Darren Fisher arrives at Rideau Hall with his family. As reporters shouted questions about why he still supports the prime minister, he responded: "I'm just excited to be here today."

Fisher is to be sworn in as the veterans affairs minister.

Steven MacKinnon, who is adding employment to his existing role as labour minister, arrived with his wife and three kids in tow. When asked for his thoughts on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's future he said "the prime minister is the prime minister."

11 a.m. 

Cabinet ministers and those about to become a cabinet minister have started arriving at Rideau Hall in Ottawa. 

It is the coldest day of the year thus far in the capital city - and the coldest December day in five years, according to some weather watchers.

Rachel Bendayan, soon to be sworn in as minister of official languages and associate minister of public safety, arrived with her husband and daughter.

Ruby Sahota, who is about to become the minister of democratic institutions, arrived with her son, Nihal.

Gary Anandasangaree, who is having his portfolio of Crown-Indigenous relations adjusted slightly to add northern affairs, arrived solo.

10:30 a.m.

The Canadian Press has confirmed there will be eight new ministers in cabinet while four others will have their roles changed.

The new faces include Montreal MP Rachel Bendayan, Winnipeg MP Terry Duguid, Toronto MP Nate Erskine-Smith, Ottawa MP David McGuinty, Dartmouth, N.S. MP Darren Fisher, Brampton, Ont. MP Ruby Sahota, St. John's MP Joanne Thompson and Sherbrooke, Que. MP Élisabeth Brière.

Anita Anand will stay on as minister of transport but the role of president of the Treasury Board will go to Ginette Petitpas Taylor. Steven MacKinnon will add employment minister to his role as labour minister, while Gary Anandasangaree will add northern affairs to his existing role as minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations.

The shuffle is schedule to take place at 11:30 a.m.

Trudeau's public itinerary does not include a media availability today.

MORE National ARTICLES

Manitoba premier says conservation officers to help patrol Canada-U.S. border

Manitoba premier says conservation officers to help patrol Canada-U.S. border
The Manitoba government is planning to have conservation officers help patrol efforts along the Canada-United States border. Premier Wab Kinew says the officers would serve as extra eyes and ears for police and other security agencies and could help in humanitarian efforts to rescue people.

Manitoba premier says conservation officers to help patrol Canada-U.S. border

End Game: A look back at Taylor Swift's Eras Tour as it arrives in Vancouver

End Game: A look back at Taylor Swift's Eras Tour as it arrives in Vancouver
After a year of anticipation, Taylor Swift's Eras Tour lands in Vancouver on Friday, with the first of three shows at BC Place. Sunday's performance will be the last show of the entire tour. Here are some facts about Swift's record-breaking tour.

End Game: A look back at Taylor Swift's Eras Tour as it arrives in Vancouver

From Taylor Swift tattoos to ice cream, Vancouver businesses have you covered

From Taylor Swift tattoos to ice cream, Vancouver businesses have you covered
If you're looking for a permanent reminder of Taylor Swift's Era's Tour concerts in Vancouver, long after the friendship bracelets have been traded, tattoo artist Jen Van Houten literally has you covered. Customers will have to choose from pre-made designs to maintain a tight schedule allowing just 20-30 minutes for each tattoo.

From Taylor Swift tattoos to ice cream, Vancouver businesses have you covered

Canada's Arctic policy draws on international collaboration to face emerging threats

Canada's Arctic policy draws on international collaboration to face emerging threats
The policy, released by Global Affairs Canada on Friday in Ottawa, says the North American Arctic is "no longer free from tension" amid increased geopolitical instability following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which has "shaken the foundations of international co-operation in the Arctic."

Canada's Arctic policy draws on international collaboration to face emerging threats

Canada's top court dismisses appeal in Ontario drug trafficking case

Canada's top court dismisses appeal in Ontario drug trafficking case
Canada's highest court has dismissed the appeal of a Guelph, Ont., man convicted of drug trafficking after police impersonated a drug dealer in order to arrest him. Dwayne Alexander Campbell argued police violated his Charter right to be free from unreasonable search or seizure in his 2017 arrest.

Canada's top court dismisses appeal in Ontario drug trafficking case

Conservatives intervene to delay debate on NDP motion in House of Commons

Conservatives intervene to delay debate on NDP motion in House of Commons
The Conservatives are stalling an NDP opposition day motion in the House of Commons, after the New Democrats intervened in the Tories' opposition day on Thursday. The NDP was set to begin debate on a motion calling on the government to expand the GST break to cover what they call essentials.

Conservatives intervene to delay debate on NDP motion in House of Commons