Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has unveiled his third cabinet since first winning office in 2015, replacing the defence minister and environment minister as his Liberal government looks to emerge from the coronavirus pandemic, improve its environmental record and fend off political challenges from rival parties.
In Canada’s most recent national election last month, the Liberals won 159 seats out of 338 in the House of Commons, meaning they need the support of another party to pass legislation.
The left-leaning New Democratic Party (NDP) and the Bloc Quebecois, which only runs candidates in the French-speaking province of Quebec, are expected to be possible legislative partners for the Liberals.
Trudeau said on Twitter on Tuesday that the new cabinet “will finish the fight against COVID-19, make housing more affordable, address climate change, create good jobs, walk the path of reconciliation, and build a better future for everyone”.
Harjit Sajjan, a former Canadian army colonel who had served as defence minister since 2015, was removed from that portfolio following a series of high-profile sexual misconduct scandals which have rocked senior echelons of the military. He will become minister of international development.
The new defence minister will be Anita Anand who served as public services and procurement minister during the pandemic and was credited with securing the country’s vaccine supplies amid fierce competition.
Canada’s new cabinet has 38 members, including the prime minister.
