Close X
Thursday, November 28, 2024
ADVT 
National

Four ministers won't seek re-election, cabinet shuffle expected as soon as Wednesday

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 25 Jul, 2023 10:10 AM
  • Four ministers won't seek re-election, cabinet shuffle expected as soon as Wednesday

With Prime Minister Justin Trudeau expected to shuffle his cabinet as early as Wednesday, a string of Liberal ministers have confirmed they will not run in the next federal election.

Fisheries Minister Joyce Murray, Transport Minister Omar Alghabra, Public Services and Procurement Minister Helena Jaczek and Mental Health and Addictions Minister Carolyn Bennett all announced this week that they will not seek re-election.

Trudeau has been holding private meetings in the capital this week, while several other ministers have cancelled public appearances — both signs of an impending shake-up.

A government source with knowledge of the matter said the cabinet shuffle would happen as soon as Wednesday. They were granted anonymity because they were not authorized to speak about it publicly.

The last time Trudeau shuffled his cabinet in a significant way was in 2021. Experts say the expected adjustments this week will show who Trudeau wants with him on the battleground.

"This is the cabinet that the government is going to be taking into the next election," said Jeni Armstrong, an instructor in the Clayton Riddell graduate program in political management at Carleton University.

"So what I'm looking for is files that really matter to Canadians: cost of living, affordability, housing, increasingly."

Armstrong, who was lead speechwriter for Trudeau and helped author the Liberal party’s election platform in 2015 and 2019, said the government is going to be looking for their strongest communicators to fill those files.

"People who can really connect with Canadians, who can understand what folks are going through and who can bring those stories back to the cabinet table as well," she said.

Armstrong said she isn't surprised by the recent string of resignations because the job can be a grind. But the fact there could be some empty seats in cabinet paves the way for a renewal after nearly eight years in power.

Jaczek, who was first elected in 2019, announced she won't be seeking re-election on Tuesday, but said she will continue to serve her Markham-Stouffville constituency until the next election.

She was previously the minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario.

Jaczek was also a member of provincial parliament and practiced medicine before politics, serving as the medical officer of health and commissioner of health services for York, Ont.

Alghabra, who was first elected in 2006, also announced his decision on Twitter, saying it came "after a lot of reflection."

"As a result of this decision, I'm also stepping aside from my role as minister because the prime minister deserves a cabinet who is committed to running in the next federal campaign," Alghabra said in a video posted on Twitter.

He said he will continue to support Trudeau's vision going forward.

Alghabra has served as transport minister since 2021. Prior to politics, he worked at General Electric Canada and the Ontario Energy Board.

Murray, who was first elected in 2008, was the third to make her announcement on Twitter Tuesday.

"After much thought and reflection, I have decided not to run again in the next election after my current term," she said.

"My work in politics and time serving my community both federally and provincially as an elected official has been the honour of my life."

It was a reversal from what she told reporters in late June. She said on Parliament Hill that she would be the Liberal candidate for Vancouver Quadra in the next federal election.

Murray previously served as minister of digital government, and also served in the British Columbia provincial cabinet. Prior to politics, she worked for her reforestation company.

Mental Health and Addictions Minister Carolyn Bennett also announced on Monday that she would not stand for re-election.

 

MORE National ARTICLES

3D printed guns on the rise

3D printed guns on the rise
The Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit says that although a fully functional firearm cannot be printed, conversion kits that complete 3-D guns can be bought in stores or online. It says anyone with a 3-D printer for their kids or for schools should be aware of the risks.

3D printed guns on the rise

As port workers strike prompts disruptions, study points finger at shipping companies

As port workers strike prompts disruptions, study points finger at shipping companies
About 7,400 members of the International Longshore and Warehouse Union Canada in Vancouver have been on strike since July 1. They say they're fighting for protections against contracting out work and automation, as well as pushing for higher wages. The strike, now in its second week, is starting to hit business operations in Canada.

As port workers strike prompts disruptions, study points finger at shipping companies

Crews and Province keep an eye on wildfires

Crews and Province keep an eye on wildfires
Wildfire crews and local governments are keeping a close watch on drought-stricken woodlands across B-C, as more lightning is forecast in many areas. The wildfire service says 318 active fires are currently burning -- most of them in the Northwest and Prince George fire districts where thousands of lightning strikes hit during a recent storm.

Crews and Province keep an eye on wildfires

Ottawa could help health care with better international recruiting, Smith says

Ottawa could help health care with better international recruiting, Smith says
Improving health care is not just a matter of money and transfers from Ottawa to the provinces, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said Tuesday. Health care is one of the main topics at the three-day meeting this week. The premiers also met with health worker representatives.

Ottawa could help health care with better international recruiting, Smith says

RCMP search for puppy, Lil Bit, stolen in alleged home invasion in Surrey, B.C.

RCMP search for puppy, Lil Bit, stolen in alleged home invasion in Surrey, B.C.
Police in Surrey, B.C., are appealing for public help to find a puppy that was stolen during an alleged home invasion robbery. They say the six-month-old female miniature pinscher and Shih Tzu cross named Lil Bit was snatched when two people forced their way into a home on 147A Street last month and made off with the residents' belongings.

RCMP search for puppy, Lil Bit, stolen in alleged home invasion in Surrey, B.C.

Multiple charges as 27-year-old accused in crash that killed two B.C. teens

Multiple charges as 27-year-old accused in crash that killed two B.C. teens
A statement from Metro Vancouver Transit Police says Cory Brown faces two counts of criminal negligence causing death, one count of driving while disqualified and one count of flight from police. He remains in custody and is expected to return to court on July 19.  

Multiple charges as 27-year-old accused in crash that killed two B.C. teens