Multiple sources have confirmed to M10news that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will shuffle his cabinet on Friday.
The anticipated reshuffle comes after several high-profile resignations, including that of Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland earlier this week, leaving significant gaps in Trudeau’s front bench.
Despite increasing pressure to step down from some members of his caucus who accuse him of mishandling his relationship with Freeland, Trudeau is focused on the immediate task of governing the country.
Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc is managing multiple heavy portfolios, including public safety and intergovernmental affairs, which is leading to concerns about his workload. Other ministers, such as Anita Anand, juggle numerous roles, including overseeing the Treasury Board and the transportation ministry.
Sources suggest that the upcoming cabinet shuffle will be “consequential,” with at least ten positions expected to change.
Ministers who will not run in the next federal election are scheduled to be removed from the cabinet. At the same time, fresh faces will be brought in to lighten the load on those handling multiple responsibilities.
A senior government source indicated that the timing and size of the shuffle should not be seen as a sign that Trudeau has decided his future.
The source clarified that the shuffle ensures the government functions efficiently and that Trudeau still reflects on his leadership position.
One name not involved in the shuffle is former Bank of Canada governor Mark Carney. Both LeBlanc and other officials have ruled out Carney as a candidate for the finance minister role.
LeBlanc confirmed that Trudeau has assured him that the finance portfolio remains his until the next election and that preparations for a spring 2025 budget are underway.
Sources also revealed that Industry Minister François-Philippe Champagne had initially expressed interest in the finance position before LeBlanc was offered the role.
In the days following Freeland’s resignation, Trudeau has reportedly contacted several political figures, including former Liberal cabinet minister Navdeep Bains, to seek advice on his future.
However, Trudeau has yet to clarify when he will address concerns about his leadership.
Calls for Trudeau’s resignation are growing within his party. Around 15 sitting MPs have publicly stated that he should step down, and influential party figures like former senior advisor Eddie Goldenberg have echoed these sentiments.
Goldenberg argued that a leadership change is necessary for the party’s future, especially in light of trade negotiations with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, which he believes Trudeau is ill-equipped to handle.
At a press conference, Justice Minister Arif Virani remained non-committal, emphasising that decisions regarding Trudeau’s future would be made within Ottawa.
However, Virani expressed confidence in Trudeau’s leadership and reaffirmed his commitment to his role as Minister of Justice.
The upcoming cabinet shuffle will be closely watched as it could significantly impact the direction of Trudeau’s government in the final stretch of his mandate.
