David Lametti Joins Mark Carney Advisor Team
Former Justice Minister David Lametti has confirmed he’ll begin his new role as senior political adviser to Prime Minister Mark Carney next month, ending weeks of speculation about his return to federal politics.
The Montreal lawyer and Oxford-educated legal scholar will start August 3rd, working primarily on justice reform and constitutional matters – areas where the fledgling Carney administration has signaled ambitious plans for legislative overhaul.
“After some time in the private sector, I’m eager to support Prime Minister Carney’s vision for justice reform,” Lametti told reporters outside his Montreal office yesterday. “There’s important work ahead that builds on foundations we laid during my previous time in government.”
The appointment marks a significant return for Lametti, who served as Justice Minister under Justin Trudeau from 2019 until losing his Montreal riding in last month’s federal election. His selection suggests Carney is prioritizing experienced hands as he assembles his core advisory team.
Political analyst Sandra Matheson of Queen’s University notes the appointment sends a clear message about Carney’s governing approach. “He’s building a team that balances fresh voices with parliamentary veterans who understand how to navigate complex legislation through the House,” she explained in an interview with CBC Radio’s The House.
Lametti’s return doesn’t come without controversy. Conservative Justice Critic Rob Nicholson questioned the swift transition from electoral defeat to prime ministerial advisor. “Canadians sent a message at the polls, including in Mr. Lametti’s own riding. This appointment feels like circumventing voters’ wishes,” Nicholson said in a statement released Wednesday.
The Prime Minister’s Office defended the choice, pointing to Lametti’s experience overseeing complex files including MAID legislation and criminal justice reform. PMO spokesperson Melissa Chen emphasized that “bringing proven talent into advisory roles is exactly what Canadians expect from a government committed to delivering results.”
Sources within the PMO indicate Lametti will focus initially on three priority files: judicial appointment reform, a comprehensive review of sentencing guidelines, and constitutional frameworks for the government’s planned climate legislation.
Carney’s team has been quietly assembling since his surprising electoral victory, with a notable trend toward recruiting both former parliamentarians and experts from outside traditional political circles. Last week, former Bank of Canada economist Carolyn Wilkins and ex-diplomat Catherine McKenna also joined the advisory team.
For Lametti, the appointment represents political redemption after a bruising campaign. His Montreal riding of LaSalle—Émard—Verdun flipped to the Bloc Québécois by just 342 votes after he had represented the area since 2015.
“In many ways, this role allows me to focus exclusively on policy without constituency obligations,” Lametti acknowledged. “There’s something liberating about that after eight years of balancing both.”
Legal scholars have largely welcomed the appointment. University of Toronto constitutional expert Patricia Hughes called Lametti “an inspired choice” for the administration. “He brings practical ministerial experience combined with academic rigor on justice matters. That’s precisely what’s needed when crafting legislation meant to withstand inevitable court challenges.”
The transition comes as the Carney government prepares its ambitious fall legislative agenda, expected to include significant justice reforms. Parliamentary insiders suggest Lametti’s fingerprints will be evident on upcoming bills addressing judicial independence, sentencing reform, and privacy protections.
When asked about working under Carney after years in Trudeau’s cabinet, Lametti emphasized continuity rather than contrast. “Good governance transcends personalities. The Prime Minister has outlined priorities that align with my own vision for a more effective and accessible justice system.”
The appointment completes Carney’s core advisory team ahead of Parliament’s return in September, where the government faces its first major legislative tests with a slim majority.
For Lametti, who once taught law at McGill University before entering politics, the role represents a blend of his academic and political experience. “I’ve always believed effective policy requires both theoretical understanding and practical implementation knowledge,” he said. “This position lets me apply both.”
Time will tell whether Lametti’s appointment signals a substantive shift in justice policy or merely provides experienced hands to implement Carney’s existing vision. Either way, the former minister returns to Ottawa with a significant portfolio and direct access to the Prime Minister’s ear.
