Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has introduced his new cabinet just two weeks after his electoral win, unveiling a 28-member team and 10 secretaries of state that blends seasoned politicians with a wave of fresh talent. As trade tensions with the United States escalate, Carney pledged “decisive action” on his ambitious economic agenda.

The reshuffle signals notable changes in key portfolios, especially in areas where the previous administration faced criticism, such as housing, immigration, and energy—now all overseen by first-time ministers. Carney described the cabinet as “purpose-built for this hinge moment,” reflecting a commitment to renewal and reform.

While 24 members of the cabinet are new to their roles, including 13 first-time MPs, several high-profile figures from former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government remain. Chrystia Freeland, Anita Anand, Melanie Joly, Gary Anandasangaree, Sean Fraser, and Dominic LeBlanc are among the returnees, ensuring institutional continuity alongside the new talent.

In a nod to Trudeau-era policies, Carney has preserved gender parity in his cabinet.

Revamped Canada-US Relations Team

A central focus of the new cabinet is managing Canada’s strained relationship with the United States amid an ongoing trade war. Carney recently met with former US President Donald Trump at the White House and reported progress toward negotiating a new trade deal.

Dominic LeBlanc, a veteran MP with extensive cabinet experience, will now lead efforts on Canada-US trade and internal trade reform—an issue central to Carney’s campaign. Maninder Sidhu, an MP from the Toronto region, becomes the new international trade minister.

Anita Anand, previously defence minister under Trudeau, now takes over as foreign affairs minister, replacing Melanie Joly, who has been moved to the industry portfolio. Gary Anandasangaree, formerly justice minister, has been appointed to public safety, overseeing border issues—one of Trump’s key trade concerns. David McGuinty, who held that post, is now defence minister.

Two former ministers—Bill Blair (defence) and Jonathan Wilkinson (natural resources)—have been removed from cabinet. Rookie MP Tim Hodgson, a former Bank of Canada adviser, now heads the natural resources portfolio.

Key Appointments and New Faces

Finance Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne retains his role, as does Chrystia Freeland, who remains in cabinet as transport minister. Steven Guilbeault continues to oversee Canadian culture and official languages.

The cabinet reflects regional and cultural diversity, with specific emphasis on representation from the prairie provinces, where discontent with federal politics has been growing.

Among the notable newcomers:

• Evan Solomon, former broadcaster, becomes minister of artificial intelligence and digital innovation.

• Julie Dabrusin, a Toronto MP, is named environment minister after years as parliamentary secretary.

• Lena Metlege Diab, Halifax MP, is appointed immigration minister.

• Gregor Robertson, former Vancouver mayor, will lead the housing file—one of Carney’s top priorities as he pledges to address the country’s housing crisis through increased construction and affordability measures.

Political Reactions

Opposition leader Pierre Poilievre criticized the appointments, noting the return of several Trudeau-era ministers.

“That isn’t the change Mr. Carney promised,” Poilievre said.

Despite the criticism, Carney remains confident in his team. “Canada’s new ministry is built to deliver the change Canadians want and deserve,” he told reporters, emphasizing a pragmatic and reform-minded approach in a time of domestic and international uncertainty.