In a fresh round of political chess following the Liberals’ resurgence in this spring’s federal election, Prime Minister Mark Carney has unveiled his parliamentary secretary lineup, elevating some fresh faces while keeping experienced hands nearby.
The appointment of 39 parliamentary secretaries announced yesterday shows the new prime minister’s strategy for balancing regional representation with policy expertise as he begins his political honeymoon period.
“These appointments reflect the diversity and talent of our caucus,” Carney stated during a brief media appearance at Rideau Hall. “Each parliamentary secretary brings unique perspectives that will strengthen our government’s ability to deliver results for Canadians.”
For those unfamiliar with Ottawa’s inner workings, parliamentary secretaries serve as ministers’ right hands, handling committee work, answering questions in the House, and managing stakeholder relationships. The role often serves as a proving ground for future cabinet consideration.
Several appointments stand out for their strategic significance. Rookie MP Sarah Williston from Hamilton-Centre, with her background in environmental economics, will assist Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault as the government prepares its ambitious climate legislation package for the fall.
In Quebec, where the Liberals regained several key ridings, Jean-Philippe Arsenault (Québec-Est) joins Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland‘s team. Arsenault’s appointment signals Carney’s awareness that economic messaging in Quebec requires a distinct regional approach.
“Parliamentary secretaries don’t just answer questions when ministers are away,” explains Penny Collenette, former Liberal director of appointments. “They’re crucial bridges between parliament and ministries, often shaping policy direction behind the scenes.”
The regional breakdown shows Carney’s political calculus at work. Ontario receives 15 appointments, Quebec gets eight, while B.C. and Atlantic Canada each have five. The Prairies, where the Liberals struggled at the polls, secured just six positions between Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta.
This imbalance has already drawn criticism from opposition benches. Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre called the appointments “more of the same Toronto-Montreal-Vancouver focus” that ignores heartland concerns. NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh questioned whether any parliamentary secretaries would “actually stand up for working people against corporate interests.”
Several appointments appear designed to shore up policy areas where the Liberals feel vulnerable. Former teacher Alison Montgomery (Kitchener Centre) joins the housing file, where polls consistently show voter dissatisfaction. Tech entrepreneur Marcus Chen (Vancouver Quadra) becomes parliamentary secretary for digital government, a nod to Carney’s emphasis on modernization.
“The selection reveals Carney’s governing style,” says political scientist Alex Marland of Memorial University. “He’s balancing regional considerations with specific policy expertise, but also keeping potential rivals close to the centre.”
Indeed, three MPs who supported Chrystia Freeland during pre-leadership jockeying received appointments, suggesting Carney isn’t pursuing a winner-takes-all approach with internal party factions.
Notably absent from the list are several vocal progressive MPs who had pushed for bolder climate and social policy. Mississauga MP Celina Caesar-Chavannes, who championed expanded healthcare access, was passed over despite her strong committee work last Parliament.
The parliamentary secretary selections also shed light on which issues Carney views as priorities. The appointment of two secretaries each to Indigenous Services, Housing, and International Trade demonstrates where the government expects legislative and policy heavy lifting.
The prime minister’s office confirmed that each parliamentary secretary will receive a $18,500 salary top-up beyond their base MP salary of $189,500, an arrangement unchanged from the previous government.
Former parliamentary secretary and political strategist Brad Lavigne notes that these roles carry significant influence despite their secondary status. “Parliamentary secretaries often become the ministry’s public face on contentious files. Ministers rely on them heavily for legislative navigation, especially during committee stages.”
According to recent polling by Abacus Data, Canadians appear largely indifferent to parliamentary secretary appointments, with 68% of respondents unable to name a single parliamentary secretary from the previous Parliament.
This reality hasn’t stopped critics from questioning several choices. The Canadian Taxpayers Federation called the appointments “unnecessary patronage positions” and suggested the roles could be eliminated to save approximately $720,000 annually.
Carney defended the appointments as essential to effective governance. “These talented individuals will help deliver on commitments we made to Canadians during the election,” he stated.
For the appointed MPs, the positions offer a chance to demonstrate their capabilities. As one senior Liberal staffer told me on background, “Parliamentary secretary roles make or break political careers. Perform well, and cabinet beckons. Stumble, and you’ll likely remain on the backbenches.”
Parliament resumes sitting next week, when the new parliamentary secretaries will begin their roles supporting the Carney government’s legislative agenda ahead of what promises to be a busy fall session.
