Close X
Sunday, September 22, 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

Vancouver needs a 9% annual property tax hike to maintain its fiscal outlook

Vancouver needs a 9% annual property tax hike to maintain its fiscal outlook
The report says the outlook for operating expenditures is driven by factors, including higher fixed costs to provide existing service levels, the renewal of infrastructure and public amenities, Metro Vancouver levies, and the implementation of key initiatives from the 2023 budget, such as the hiring of additional police officers.'

Vancouver needs a 9% annual property tax hike to maintain its fiscal outlook

B.C. warns of summer drought, asks people to conserve water

B.C. warns of summer drought, asks people to conserve water
A statement from the Forests Ministry says recent rains have provided some relief in parts of B.C., but it hasn't been enough to make up the deficit. B.C.'s drought map shows much of the northeastern corner of the province is at drought level four on the five-level scale, meaning conditions are extremely dry with communities and ecosystems likely to experience adverse impacts.

B.C. warns of summer drought, asks people to conserve water

Reign of world's largest hockey stick coming to an end as Duncan holds survey

Reign of world's largest hockey stick coming to an end as Duncan holds survey
The 28,118-kilogram stick was built to mark the entrance to the Canada pavilion at Vancouver's Expo in 1986, but 37 years later the Cowichan Valley Regional District said it is coming to "the end of its life."  

Reign of world's largest hockey stick coming to an end as Duncan holds survey

B.C. public schools move away from letter grades from kindergarten to Grade 9

B.C. public schools move away from letter grades from kindergarten to Grade 9
A statement from the Education Ministry says that starting in the 2023-2024 school year, only students in grades 10, 11 and 12 will receive letter grades and percentages so post-secondary entry requirements are met. 

B.C. public schools move away from letter grades from kindergarten to Grade 9

Body found in vacant lot: VPD

Body found in vacant lot: VPD
Police say a body has been found in a vacant lot in East Vancouver. Constable Tania Visintin says the discovery was made last night by a passerby. It's Vancouver's ninth homicide of 2023.

Body found in vacant lot: VPD

Sikh Liberal MPs meet with public safety minister over Surrey killing

Sikh Liberal MPs meet with public safety minister over Surrey killing
The federal Liberal Party's Sikh caucus -- which includes several members of Parliament from B-C -- has met with Public Safety Minister Marco Mendocino to discuss the killing of Surrey Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Seven caucus members met with the minister last night.

Sikh Liberal MPs meet with public safety minister over Surrey killing