Ministerial reshuffle in Ottawa
Marc Miller returns to the Canadian Cabinet as the new Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture, taking over from Steven Guilbeault. Guilbeault resigned last week in protest against environmental law exemptions granted to Alberta in a recent agreement signed by Prime Minister Mark Carney.
Prime Minister Carney appointed Joël Lightbound, previously Minister of Public Works and Procurement, to serve as his political lieutenant in Quebec. This strategic role involves representing the prime minister and negotiating with Quebec on health, immigration, and infrastructure issues.
Julie Dabrusin, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, has taken on additional responsibility for Nature, a portfolio formerly overseen by Guilbeault. This reshuffle comes after Guilbeault’s resignation over concerns about the province-wide impact of Carney’s energy deal with Alberta Premier Danielle Smith.
Marc Miller’s return marks a significant comeback to Cabinet. Previously a key figure in Justin Trudeau’s government, Miller served as Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Minister of Immigration. He was sidelined after Carney’s leadership victory in March and was excluded from the post-April election Cabinet.
Guilbeault, a former environmental activist and architect of Trudeau’s climate policies, publicly criticized the Calgary agreement on the program Tout le monde en parle. He called the deal “the last straw” after making many compromises in his role.
Despite their disagreement, Guilbeault remains loyal to the Liberal Party and Carney, stating he would still vote for Carney if an election were held immediately. The Liberal Party holds 44 seats in Quebec following the last federal election.
The swearing-in ceremony took place at Rideau Hall and was presided over by Governor General Mary Simon. Simon has missed several official events recently due to health reasons. This reshuffle reflects the evolving political landscape and ongoing debates on environmental and cultural policies in Canada.
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