Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is preparing an overhaul of his cabinet that will see his defense minister move to an economic portfolio.
(Bloomberg) — Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is preparing an overhaul of his cabinet that will see his defense minister move to an economic portfolio.
Anita Anand, who has led Canada’s response to Russia’s war in Ukraine, will become president of the Treasury Board, according to a government official speaking on condition of anonymity ahead of the announcement. The role involves overseeing government spending and the public service and is currently held by Mona Fortier, who will be dropped from cabinet.
Trudeau will promote Emergency Preparedness Minister Bill Blair to defense, the source said Tuesday. Before entering politics in 2015, Blair had a nearly four-decade career with the Toronto police including as chief of the force.
The prime minister is also expected to cut Justice Minister David Lametti and Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicino from cabinet, according to the Canadian Broadcasting Corp.
Trudeau’s cabinet shakeup, set to be made official Wednesday, gives the prime minister a chance to fine tune his team ahead of the next election. Though a vote isn’t likely until at least next year, the Canadian leader is facing a pileup of political controversies and the rising cost of living is making him vulnerable to attacks by his main opposition rival.
Anand, who was in charge of Canada’s vaccine procurement during Covid-19, was moved to defense in a 2021 shuffle. In addition to managing the war and representing Canada at the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation, she was leading an ongoing culture shift in the military after sexual misconduct allegations surfaced against several top soldiers.
Four other ministers have also said they won’t run in the next election.
Transport Minister Omar Alghabra announced earlier Tuesday that he’s stepping aside. Carolyn Bennett, a veteran lawmaker who was minister of mental health and addictions, Fisheries Minister Joyce Murray and Procurement Minister Helena Jaczek have also said they won’t seek reelection.
Alghabra helped to lead the government’s response to Covid at airports as well as a period of chaotic lineups and delays when Canadians resumed traveling regularly.
The Toronto-area lawmaker said in a brief video statement posted to social media that he was proud to have worked on reforming Canada’s aviation sector during an “extraordinary time” by enhancing transparency and accountability.
(Updates with source confirming Anand and Blair moves.)
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