Justin Trudeau undertakes the biggest reshuffle of his Cabinet since he came to power

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Wednesday following his cabinet reshuffle.BLAIR GABLE (REUTERS)

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau undertook a profound reshuffle of his Cabinet on Wednesday. This is the most far-reaching rearrangement since he came to power in 2015: 23 ministers change portfolios, seven lose their responsibilities and seven more are released in office. The Canadian premier's decision involves some of the most important ministries. Trudeau said in Ottawa, within the framework of the swearing-in ceremony of the ministers, that Canada faces these days challenges that require a reshuffle of the Cabinet, emphasizing the economic issues that concern the population. "In these circumstances, I wanted to propose the right team, an extremely strong team to respond to the needs of the moment," he said.

The most surprising change has been that of David Lametti, Canada's justice minister and attorney general. Arif Virani, MP since 2015 for a Toronto constituency, replaces Lametti. Another move that has raised wide comments is the departure of Anita Anand from the Defense portfolio. Anand was in charge of the military aid package to Ukraine and the launch of an initiative to combat sexual assault and discrimination in the Armed Forces. Bill Blair, a former Minister of Civil Protection, takes office, while Anita Anand becomes president of the Treasury Board, the body that regulates the federal civil service.

Marco Mendicino gives his place to Dominic LeBlanc in the Ministry of Public Security. Mendicino had received several criticisms in the wake of the crisis unleashed by anti-vaccine truckers in early 2022; also because of the alleged plans of electoral intervention by China. Pablo Rodríguez, Minister of Canadian Heritage, takes the Transport portfolio. Other ministries that have undergone changes include Health, Employment, Finance, Housing, Indigenous Relations, International Development and Immigration. Four ministers leaving their posts had indicated in recent days that they would not stand as candidates in the next elections.

Canadian media had already reported over the weekend the vast set of Cabinet changes that were coming. On Monday and Tuesday, different liberal figures were seen entering Justin Trudeau's residence. However, the prime minister had indicated in his official itinerary that those days would be dedicated to "private meetings".

The decisions taken by Justin Trudeau allow us to confirm the arrival of "new blood" to the Government; They also represent a promotion to ministers who have wisely directed portfolios considered of lesser weight. However, this reorganization does not affect Trudeau's closest associates; a kind of "praetorian guard" integrated, among others, by Chrystia Freeland (Deputy Prime Minister and in charge of the Finance portfolio), Mélanie Joly (Minister of Foreign Affairs) and François-Philippe Champagne (Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry.

The wave of change takes place halfway through the liberal politician's third term. Trudeau has governed Canada since November 2015, so attrition is a factor for him and his advisers to consider. Different analysts in the country have mentioned that the reorganization of the body of ministers emanates an electoral perfume. The Canadian prime minister said Wednesday that he does not plan to advance the elections (they are scheduled for October 2025); appointment in which he plans to run again in search of a fourth term.

The Liberals govern in a minority with an agreement under the arm signed with the New Democratic Party. However, this pact could be broken in case of some issue that provokes irreconcilable positions. In addition, Trudeau brought forward elections in 2021 to seek a majority in the lower house; A plan that did not work: he retained power, but returned to governing in a minority.

Polls show a slight lead for Canada's Conservative Party over Trudeau's Liberals. Pierre Poilievre, leader of the Conservatives, pointed out regarding the ministerial changes: "By dismissing a large part of his Cabinet, Justin Trudeau admits after eight years of crime and violence, inflationary and exorbitant costs, homes that have doubled their price, that his Government is a great failure. " Jagmeet Singh, leader of the New Democratic Party, said the Trudeau administration has failed on key issues. He ruled out that his group contemplates forcing early elections, but stressed that he will continue to force the government "to work for the people."

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