Trudeau Plans Cabinet Shuffle Amid Calls for Resignation
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is set to rearrange his cabinet on Friday morning.
A reliable government source has confirmed that a swearing-in ceremony will occur at Rideau Hall.
This announcement marks the end of a turbulent week for Trudeau, who recently lost his finance minister and is facing increased pressure from within his caucus to resign.
Prior to Chrystia Freeland’s unexpected resignation on December 16, Trudeau had already been planning a cabinet shuffle to replace five ministers who had decided not to run in the next election.
It is anticipated that a new public safety minister will be appointed as Dominic LeBlanc is currently handling both the finance and public safety responsibilities following Freeland’s departure.
When LeBlanc was asked on Thursday if Trudeau has the full support of the cabinet to remain as leader, he responded with a “yes.”
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The five ministers who are not seeking re-election include Ministers Sean Fraser, Carla Qualtrough, Marie-Claude-Bibeau, Dan Vandal, and Filomena Tassi.
Replacing ministers who are not running for re-election is a common practice.
Ministers Anita Anand and Jeanette Petitpas Taylor are currently holding dual portfolios following the departure of Ministers Pablo Rodriguez and Randy Boissonnault.
Anand has taken on Rodriguez’s responsibilities along with being the president of the Treasury Board, while Petitpas Taylor has assumed Boissonnault’s duties in addition to Veterans Affairs.
All of these changes come amid mounting pressure for Trudeau to step down as Liberal leader, particularly following Freeland’s resignation.
Toronto MP and foreign affairs parliamentary secretary Rob Oliphant mentioned in a social media post that he called for an urgent meeting before taking a stance on the leadership question, emphasizing that what’s best for Canada should come first.
New Brunswick Liberal Wayne Long revealed earlier this week that a significant number of caucus members, including five cabinet ministers, believe it’s time for Trudeau to resign.
