Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has unveiled his third cabinet since he first assumed office in 2015, changing the defence minister and environment minister as his government seeks to rise from the coronavirus pandemic, ameliorate its environmental record and combat political challenges from opposition parties.
In the most recent national election, the Liberals clinched 159 seats out of 338 in the House of Commons, as such, they will need another party’s to pass legislation.
As expected, the New Democratic Party (NDP) and the Bloc Quebecois, will be the Liberals’ possible legislative partners.
Trudeau revealed on Twitter recently that the new cabinet “will finish the fight against COVID-19, make housing more affordable, address climate change, create good jobs, walk the path of reconciliation, and build a better future for everyone”.
Steven Guilbeault, a former staff of Greenpeace that represents a riding in Quebec, is Canada’s new environment minister. Guilbeault replaces Jonathan Wilkinson who will be transferred to the natural resources portfolio.
The appointment of Guilbeault came before United Nations’ climate talks in Glasgow, Scotland. Trudeau will attend the talks and the environmental record of Canada is likely to be scrutinised.
While talking to Reuters, Peter Donolo, a political strategist at the public relations firm Hill+Knowlton who used to be communications director for Liberal former Prime Minister Jean Chretien, said Trudeau was aiming to “position Canada as a winner in the greener global economy over the longer term”.
Anita Anand who worked as public services and procurement minister during the pandemic and was commended for securing Canada’s vaccine supplies amid serious competition will be the new defence minister.
Also, Melanie Joly will be the new foreign affairs minister, replacing former astronaut Marc Garneau. Joly will have to manage Canada’s strained relationship with China, and other foreign policy problems.
Marci Ien, a former television journalist who won former Green Party leader Annamie Paul for a downtown Toronto seat, will become minister of women, gender equality and youth.
The new cabinet comprises 38 members, including Trudeau.
