PROMOTIONS
Chrystia Freeland, who as global affairs minister was perhaps the highest-profile minister last term, is now being clearly marked as Trudeau’s right hand in cabinet. She’s been named deputy prime minister and minister of intergovernmental affairs and it’s that second role that will be especially important as Trudeau grapples with regional grievances and combative premiers. Freeland’s replacement in global affairs is François-philippe Champagne, who gets a promotion from infrastructure minister. His new job comes as trade tensions remain high and Canada seeks a security council seat at the United Nations.
B.C.’S Jonathan Wilkinson takes over the contentious environment and climate change file, moving up from fisheries minister. Having a western-based environment minister who was raised in Saskatchewan may help Trudeau sell his climate policies, though Wilkinson certainly faces a tough task.
Meanwhile, Newfoundland’s Seamus O’regan is moving from Indigenous services to natural resources, giving him oversight of the energy and pipeline file. On one hand, he’s from an oil-producing province that is no stranger to falling on hard economic times. On the other, O’regan is close personal friends with Trudeau and may not get an easy ride on the prairies.
Another notable promotion is Quebec’s Pablo Rodriguez moving from heritage minister to government house leader, a key role in a minority parliament where every legislative move will need careful negotiation with the other parties. Rodriguez will also be Trudeau’s cabinet point person on all matters Quebec.