Trudeau 2.0? Carney’s new cabinet keeps 13 ministers from previous regime

Prime Minister Mark Carney has introduced his first cabinet. The new team includes 29 ministers, with 15 new members and 13 who served under former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

The cabinet was sworn in on Tuesday at Rideau Hall in Ottawa. Carney said the cabinet offers a mix of fresh ideas and experienced voices. “Canadians voted for change,” he said. “That means new perspectives, but also experienced hands.”

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He described the old and new members as “half and half,” saying it was the right balance.

Some of Trudeau’s key ministers have returned to the cabinet with important roles. Anita Anand is now the Minister of Foreign Affairs; she replaces Mélanie Joly and previously served as the country’s defence minister. François-Philippe Champagne stays as Finance Minister. Dominic LeBlanc continues with the Canada-U.S. trade file, while Chrystia Freeland becomes Transport and Internal Trade Minister.

Other returning ministers include David McGuinty (Defence), Gary Anandasangaree (Public Safety), Mélanie Joly (Industry), Sean Fraser (Justice), Steven Guilbeault, Patty Hajdu, Steven MacKinnon, Joanne Thompson, and Rechie Valdez.

The Conservative opposition has criticized Carney’s choices. Leader Pierre Poilievre said the cabinet looks too similar to Trudeau’s. His deputy, Melissa Lantsman, posted a photo showing many old faces and said, “No, you’re not mistaken, this picture is from today.”

Liberal Party’s Steven Guilbeault defended the appointments. He said a mix of old and new is necessary to govern well.

Political analyst Stéphanie Chouinard said the new ministers must quickly prove they can do the job. She said experienced ministers must also show they are fit for their new roles.

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Two of the returning ministers, Anand and Fraser, had planned to leave politics. Anand was going to return to teaching law, and Fraser had stepped away for family reasons. Both returned after Trudeau resigned and Carney became leader.

The cabinet also includes eight rookie MPs and will be supported by 10 secretaries of state.

Carney said he wants his cabinet to reflect Canada’s diversity and experience. “I don’t want a cabinet that just looks like me,” he said.