Carney to Reshuffle Cabinet Following Guilbeault’s Resignation

Prime Minister Mark Carney is preparing for another cabinet reshuffle on Monday. This change comes in the wake of the resignation of Steven Guilbeault, the former Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture.

Signing Ceremony and Resignation

Carney is set to attend a swearing-in ceremony at Rideau Hall at 3 p.m. Eastern Time. Guilbeault stepped down from his position just days after a memorandum of understanding was signed between Carney and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith. This agreement awarded the province several energy-related concessions, facilitating plans for a new oil pipeline to the west coast.

Impact of the Resignation

In his resignation statement, Guilbeault expressed concerns that this deal and previous actions by the Carney administration had effectively dismantled the climate policies he championed while serving as Environment Minister under former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Although stepping down from his ministerial role, Guilbeault will continue to serve as a Liberal MP for his riding in Montreal. Furthermore, he announced that he would not remain as Carney’s Quebec lieutenant.

Previous Cabinet Shuffle

This cabinet reshuffle follows a prior adjustment made by Carney in September. He replaced former Transport Minister Chrystia Freeland after her resignation. In that instance, Canada-U.S. Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc assumed Freeland’s internal trade responsibilities. Government House Leader Steven MacKinnon became the new Transport Minister as part of that shuffle.

Party Unity Amid Changes

Despite the recent developments, several Liberal MPs have publicly stated that the party remains united. Guilbeault’s departure from cabinet has prompted discussions but has not led to visible divisions within the party.

As the situation evolves, more information is expected to emerge regarding the upcoming cabinet changes led by Prime Minister Carney.