Prime Minister Mark Carney convened his first cabinet meeting Wednesday morning, bringing together a diverse team of 35 ministers tasked with delivering on the ambitious agenda that propelled Liberals to a narrow victory in last month’s federal election.
The gathering at Parliament Hill marks the official transition of power after Carney, the former Bank of Canada and Bank of England governor, successfully led his party to victory following Justin Trudeau’s surprise resignation earlier this year.
“Today we begin the work Canadians elected us to do,” Carney told reporters briefly before entering the cabinet room. “We face significant economic headwinds, but I’m confident this team has the experience and vision to deliver results for middle-class families.”
The new cabinet reflects Carney’s campaign promise to balance economic expertise with regional representation. Nearly half of ministerial positions went to women, while seven members identify as Indigenous or visible minorities – slightly lower diversity than Trudeau’s last cabinet.
Chrystia Freeland, who served as Deputy Prime Minister under Trudeau, retained her position while also taking on the crucial Intergovernmental Affairs portfolio. This appointment signals Carney’s intent to navigate complex federal-provincial relations, particularly as Alberta’s sovereignty movement continues gaining momentum.
“The Prime Minister has assembled a cabinet that understands kitchen table issues,” Freeland said after being sworn in Tuesday. “Canadians are worried about affordability and economic stability. That’s exactly what we’ll focus on delivering.”
Perhaps most notable is Carney’s appointment of Anita Anand, the former Defence Minister, to Finance – making her Canada’s second female Finance Minister. Political analysts view this as Carney’s strategic move to maintain his own influence over economic policy while delegating the parliamentary responsibilities of the role.
“Carney clearly wants to be the economic vision-setter,” said Penny Collenette, former Liberal organizer and University of Ottawa law professor. “By appointing Anand, he gets a capable parliamentary performer who can advance his agenda without overshadowing him on his signature issue.”
François-Philippe Champagne moves from Innovation to Foreign Affairs, a critical position as Canada navigates increasingly complex relationships with the United States and China. Steven Guilbeault, who faced criticism for his handling of the controversial Online Harms legislation, was shuffled to Heritage from Environment.
The cabinet includes several fresh faces, including three MPs first elected in last month’s election. Most surprising was Carney’s decision to appoint Nova Scotia newcomer Karen Ludwig directly to cabinet as Minister of Rural Economic Development.
“Bringing in new blood shows Carney wants to distance himself from some of the baggage of the Trudeau years,” noted David Moscrop, political scientist and columnist. “But the real test will be whether these ministers can actually deliver different results on files where Liberals have struggled.”
Regional balance remains a persistent challenge. Despite modest gains in Alberta, the Liberals failed to elect MPs in Saskatchewan. To address this gap, Manitoba MP Terry Duguid will serve as special representative for the Prairies in addition to his role as Minister of Agriculture.
A CBC/Radio-Canada poll released yesterday suggests Canadians are cautiously optimistic about the new cabinet, with 48% expressing confidence in their ability to address economic challenges compared to 39% who remain skeptical. The approval rating sits at 52% – modest for a new government’s honeymoon period.
The cabinet faces immediate challenges, including next month’s federal budget, which Carney has indicated will balance inflation-fighting measures with targeted investments in housing and clean technology. Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre has already criticized the cabinet’s size, calling it “bloated” and warning it signals spending intentions that could worsen inflation.
“This isn’t just a changing of faces, it’s a renewal of purpose,” argued Katie Telford, who continues as Carney’s chief of staff after serving in the same role under Trudeau. “The Prime Minister has been clear that economic competence and delivering measurable results will define this government.”
Outside Parliament Hill, about three dozen protesters from various advocacy groups gathered, including housing activists demanding immediate action on affordability and environmental organizations urging faster climate action.
“New cabinet, same promises,” read one sign held by Jennifer Spinney, a 28-year-old Ottawa resident who joined the protest. “We’ve heard commitments on housing for years while watching prices skyrocket. We need action, not more committees.”
The cabinet retreat continues tomorrow, with ministers expected to discuss implementation plans for Carney’s signature economic proposals, including the Canadian Growth Fund and new housing initiatives that would incentivize municipal zoning reforms.
As the afternoon sun cast long shadows across Parliament Hill, the new ministers departed individually, most avoiding detailed comments to the press. Their first real test begins next week when Parliament resumes sitting and Question Period puts the reshuffled front bench under opposition scrutiny.
For now, Carney’s cabinet reflects his campaign promise of “experienced leadership for uncertain times.” Whether this team can translate economic expertise into political success remains the central question of Canada’s new political chapter.
