29th Canadian Ministry

The Twenty-Ninth Canadian Ministry was the Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, that began governing Canada shortly before the opening of the 42nd Parliament. The original members were sworn in during a ceremony held at Rideau Hall on November 4, 2015. Those who were not already members of the Privy Council were sworn into it in the same ceremony. At the time of its dissolution, the Cabinet consisted of 35 members including Trudeau, with 17 women and 18 men.^[1] When the ministry was first sworn in, with 15 men and 15 women (aside from Trudeau), it became the first gender-balanced cabinet in Canadian history.^[2]

Trudeau carried out four major cabinet shuffles: one in 2018, one in 2021, one in 2023, and another in 2024.

On October 26, 2021, one month after the 2021 Canadian federal election that gave the governing Liberal Party a second minority mandate; the ministry underwent a cabinet shuffle, resulting in many promotions, demotions, and removals from cabinet.

Following resignations by major Trudeau cabinet leaders in December 2024, the government entered a political crisis as multiple Liberal party members^{[3][4][5][6][7]} and all opposition parties called for Trudeau's resignation and a new election.^[8][9] Trudeau announced his intention to resign as prime minister and party leader in early January 2025, and was succeeded by Mark Carney on March 14, 2025.

List of ministers

By minister

The list below follows the Canadian order of precedence, which is established by the chronological order of appointment to the King's Privy Council for Canada, with former ministers being listed last in order of appointment to the Privy Council.^[10]

By portfolio

Renamed, eliminated, and new ministries

Cabinet shuffles

2018 shuffle

On 18 July 2018, Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau carried out a significant shuffle of his ministry. This included the adding of 5 new ministry positions, expanding the previous size of cabinet from 30 to 35. The cabinet remained gender balanced.^[11][12]

The appointment of Bill Blair as the new Minister of Border Security and Organized Crime Reduction was praised by Opposition Immigration Critic Michelle Rempel, in response to an increase of illegal crossings of the Canada–United States border.^[13] The Deputy Leader of the Opposition Lisa Raitt called the shuffle a "desperate attempt to hit the reset button before the next election".^[11]

The shuffle was labeled by CBC News as Trudeau's re-election kickoff for the 2019 federal election.^[14]

2021 shuffle

On 12 January 2021, Trudeau carried out a shuffle of his ministry.^[18][19] It came shortly after Innovation minister Navdeep Bains announced he intended to stand down from the government and not seek re-election at the 2021 Canadian federal election.^[20] The shuffle spurred speculation of a snap election.^[18][19]

2023 shuffle

After a difficult parliamentary term, Trudeau announced the third major re-shuffle of his ministry and the first re-shuffle since the 2021 election, with the exception of ministers Tassi and Jaczek swapping roles in 2022.^[21]

2024 shuffle and crisis

The closing months of 2024 saw a wave of resignations in Trudeau's cabinet. On September 19, 2024, Minister of Transport Pablo Rodriguez resigned to run for leadership of the Quebec Liberal Party.^[22] On November 20, 2024, Alberta MP Randy Boissonnault resigned following allegations that he ran a business seeking federal contracts and falsely claimed to be Indigenous.^[23] On December 15, 2024, Housing Minister Sean Fraser announced his intention to leave the federal cabinet during the next shuffle, citing personal reasons.^[24]

On December 16, 2024, Chrystia Freeland resigned as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, hours before she was due to release the government's fall economic statement.^[25] She was replaced by Dominic LeBlanc, who would temporarily retain his role as Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities.^[25] Freeland was often nicknamed the "minister of everything", and widely seen as a potential successor to Trudeau for the leadership of the Liberal Party.^[26][27]

In her resignation letter, Freeland reported Trudeau had asked her to resign as finance minister and that she would be offered another Cabinet position. She instead decided to resign altogether from his Cabinet, saying that "to be effective, a Minister must speak on behalf of the Prime Minister and with his full confidence. In making your decision, you made clear that I no longer credibly enjoy that confidence."^[28]

Freeland's resignation came amid threats from the incoming Trump administration to impose 25% tariffs upon Canada,^[29] as well as Freeland's reported opposition to Trudeau's promise of $250 cheques to working Canadians who earned $150,000 or less in 2023.^[30] In her letter, Freeland implicitly referred to this proposal as a "costly political gimmick" and argued that the Canadian government should "[keep] our fiscal powder dry today, so we have the reserves we may need for a coming tariff war."^[31]

The resignation raised speculation as to the future of Trudeau's leadership.^[29][32] The economic statement was eventually released at 4:11 PM EST that same day, showing a deficit of $61.9 billion for 2023–24, exceeding Freeland's target of $40.1 billion or less, and left Trump's tariff threats largely unaddressed.^[33]

Shuffle

After a series of resignations and retirements of ministry members, Trudeau announced his fourth major shuffle amid a political crisis.^[34] Previously in 2024, there were minor changes in the ministry following the resignations of Randy Boissonnault, Chrystia Freeland, Pablo Rodriguez, and Seamus O'Regan. Boissonnault was succeeded by Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Freeland was succeeded by Dominic LeBlanc in the finance portfolio, Rodriguez was succeeded by Anita Anand, and O'Regan was succeeded by Steven MacKinnon. Fraser resigned four days before the shuffle.

Legacy

Retrospective analysis of the Ministry highlights a divided and extensive legacy. The Canadian Press identified cannabis legalization, the Canada Child Benefit, federal carbon pricing, Indigenous reconciliation initiatives, the COVID-19 pandemic response, and the renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement as major pillars of the government's tenure, while noting that electoral reform was a prominent 2015 promise that was not fulfilled.^[35] The Guardian described his government's record as a balance of wins for progressivism, particularly regarding gender equality, child care, and immigration, alongside unfulfilled potential on larger economic and social promises.^[36]

Reuters noted that while the ministry won praise for its social policies, public support ultimately declined amid rising grocery and housing costs, poor party polling, caucus unrest, and the political crisis following Chrystia Freeland's resignation.^[37] The Wall Street Journal similarly reported that the government's standing fell as voters reacted negatively to housing shortages, living costs, immigration targets, and ethical controversies such as the SNC-Lavalin affair.^[38] Regarding the ministry's environmental record, CBC News noted the government reduced national emissions and increased energy regulations, but left some key climate policies unfinished upon Trudeau's exit,^[39] while The Hill Times characterized the era's climate strategy as a decade of experimental policymaking contrasting it with what it characterized as a more pragmatic approach of Trudeau’s successor, Mark Carney.^[40]

See also

• List of prime ministers of Canada
• Historical rankings of prime ministers of Canada
• List of current Parliamentary Secretaries of Canada

Notes

1. ^ Confidence and supply agreement with the New Democratic Party from March 2022 to September 2024^[41]
2. ^ Title of office was "Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs" until October 26, 2021.
3. ^ Title of office was "President of the Queen's Privy Council for Canada" until October 12, 2022.^[42]
4. ^ Title of office was "Minister of Small Business, Export Promotion and International Trade" until October 26, 2021, and then "Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development" from October 26, 2021 to July 26, 2023
5. ^ Title of office was "Minister of Natural Resources" until July 26, 2023.
6. ^ Title of office was "Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development" until November 20, 2019.
7. ^ Title of office was "Minister of Status of Women" until December 13, 2018.
8. ^ Title of office was "Minister of International Development and La Francophonie" until July 18, 2018.
9. ^ Title of office was "Minister of Public Services and Procurement" until July 18, 2018.^[43]
10. ^ Title of office was "Minister of Canadian Heritage and Multiculturalism" from July 18, 2018 to November 20, 2019
11. ^ Title of office was "Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Accessibility" from July 18, 2018 to November 20, 2019.^[43]

References

1. ^ "Trudeau adds 5 new ministers in cabinet shakeup that puts focus on seniors, border security | CBC News". CBC. Retrieved 2018-07-18.
2. ^ "Full list of Justin Trudeau's cabinet". CBC News. November 4, 2015. Retrieved 4 November 2015.
3. ^ "Trudeau considering his options as leader". CP24. 2024-12-16. Retrieved 2024-12-17.
4. ^ Chaya, Lynn; Caruso-Moro, Luca; Lee, Michael (2024-12-16). "Trudeau considering his options as leader after Freeland quits cabinet, sources say". CTV News. Retrieved 2024-12-17.
5. ^ Aiello, Rachel (2024-12-16). "'We're not united': Liberal caucus meets, as PM Trudeau faces fresh calls to resign in light of Freeland's departure". CTV News. Archived from the original on December 17, 2024. Retrieved 2024-12-17.
6. ^ Tasker, John Paul (2024-12-17). "Some Liberal MPs repeat calls for Trudeau to quit after Freeland debacle — but he still has defenders". CBC News. Retrieved 2024-12-17.
7. ^ Rana, Uday. "Trudeau 'has to go,' NDP's Singh says in call to 'resign'". Global News. Retrieved 2024-12-17.
8. ^ "Trudeau has lost control but 'clings to power,' Poilievre says". CBC News. 16 December 2024.
9. ^ "'The Trudeau government is done': Blanchet". CTV News. Retrieved 2024-12-17.
10. ^ "Table of Precedence for Canada". Government of Canada. Archived December 20, 2016 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 14 January 2017.
11. ^ "Trudeau adds 5 new ministers in cabinet shakeup that puts focus on seniors, border security | CBC News". CBC. Retrieved 2018-07-18.
12. ^ "Trudeau Promotes 5 New Faces To His Inner Circle". HuffPost Canada. 2018-07-18. Retrieved 2020-11-25.
13. ^ "PM Adds Minister For Border Security Amid Criticism On Asylum Seekers Issue". HuffPost Canada. 2018-07-18. Retrieved 2020-11-22.
14. ^ Hall, Chris (18 July 2018). "Make no mistake — Trudeau's cabinet shuffle is his re-election kickoff: Chris Hall". CBC News. Archived July 18, 2018 at the Wayback Machine.
15. ^ Craggs, Samantha (18 July 2018). "Hamilton-area MP Filomena Tassi promises to bring passion to new seniors portfolio". CBC News. Archived July 23, 2018 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 22 November 2020.
16. ^ Laanela, Mike (18 July 2018). "North Vancouver MP Jonathan Wilkinson named federal minister of fisheries, oceans, coast guard". CBC News. Archived July 18, 2018 at the Wayback Machine.
17. ^ "Waterloo MP Bardish Chagger shuffled out of small business, tourism portfolio". CBC News. 18 July 2018. Archived July 24, 2018 at the Wayback Machine.
18. ^ David Ljunggren, STEVE SCHERER (12 January 2021). "Canada PM Shuffles Top Cabinet Players Ahead of Possible Election". USA Today. Archived January 22, 2021 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 17 January 2021.
19. ^ "Trudeau shuffles cabinet as poll shows Liberals flirting with majority territory". Global News. Retrieved 2021-01-17.
20. ^ "Trudeau to shuffle cabinet after Indo-Canadian minister quits". Hindustan Times. 2021-01-12. Retrieved 2021-01-17.
21. ^ "Filomena Tassi, Helena Jaczek swap cabinet roles in minor shuffle". CP24. 2022-08-31. Retrieved 2023-07-25.
22. ^ Blouin, Louis (September 19, 2024). "Pablo Rodriguez to sit as Independent while seeking Quebec Liberal leadership". CBC News. Retrieved December 17, 2024.
23. ^ Tasker, John Paul (November 20, 2024). "Boissonnault out of cabinet after shifting claims about Indigenous heritage". CBC News. Retrieved December 17, 2024.
24. ^ Cochrane, David (December 15, 2024). "Sean Fraser to leave federal cabinet as PMO pushes to add Mark Carney". CBC News. Retrieved December 17, 2024.
25. ^ Tasker, John Paul (16 December 2024). "Chrystia Freeland resigns from Trudeau's cabinet and sources say Dominic LeBlanc will replace her". cbc.ca
26. ^ Taylor-Vaisey, Nick (2020-03-05). "The minister of everything, Chrystia Freeland, takes on the coronavirus". Macleans.ca. Retrieved 2024-12-16.
27. ^ "Chrystia Freeland's roles in Trudeau's Liberal government". Reuters
28. ^ "FULL TEXT Canadian finance minister's resignation letter to PM Trudeau". Reuters
29. ^ Bowden, Olivia (2024-12-16). "Canada's deputy PM resigns from cabinet as tensions with Trudeau rise over Trump tariffs". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2024-12-16.
30. ^ "Trudeau avoids addressing tensions with Freeland over spending on GST holiday, $250 cheques". The Globe and Mail. 2024-12-10. Retrieved 2024-12-16.
31. ^ "FULL TEXT Canadian finance minister's resignation letter to PM Trudeau". Reuters
32. ^ Stevis-Gridneff, Matina & Austen, Ian (16 December 2024). "Canada's Deputy Prime Minister Resigns, in Blow to Trudeau's Hold on Power". The New York Times
33. ^ Van Dyk, Spencer (2024-12-16). "Amid political shakeup, feds deliver fall economic statement with $61.9B deficit for 2023-24". CTV News. Archived from the original on December 16, 2024. Retrieved 2024-12-16.
34. ^ Zimonjic, Peter & Cochrane, David (20 December 2024). "Prime Minister Trudeau adds 8 new MPs to cabinet, changes the roles of 4 others". CBC News. Retrieved 4 April 2026.
35. ^ Karadeglija, Anja (7 January 2025). "The seven key pieces of Justin Trudeau's political legacy". The Canadian Press. Retrieved 5 May 2026. – via CityNews.
36. ^ Kassam, Ashifa & Cecco, Leyland (6 January 2025). "Justin Trudeau promised 'sunny ways' but could not fulfil his lofty ambitions". The Guardian. Retrieved 5 May 2026.
37. ^ Ljunggren, David & Shakil, Ismail (6 January 2025). "Trudeau to resign as prime minister after nine years, blames party infighting". Reuters. Retrieved 5 May 2026.
38. ^ Monga, Vipal & Vieira, Paul (6 January 2025). "Trudeau to Resign as Voters Sour on His Vision for Canada". The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved 5 May 2026.
39. ^ Singh, Inayat (9 January 2025). "Trudeau leaves behind nearly a decade of climate action, but some key priorities hang in the balance". CBC News. Retrieved 5 May 2026.
40. ^ "From climate champion to pragmatist: why Carney is ditching Trudeau-era climate policy". The Hill Times. 2 May 2026. Retrieved 5 May 2026.
41. ^ Zimonjic, Peter. "The NDP is ending its governance agreement with the Liberals". CBC News. Retrieved 4 September 2024.
42. ^ "The Hon. Bill Blair, P.C., M.P.". Retrieved August 26, 2023.
43. ^ "Complete list of Justin Trudeau's updated cabinet". CBC News. July 18, 2018. Retrieved 20 July 2018.