OTTAWA — Mark Carney was officially sworn in as Canada’s 24th Prime Minister during a ceremony at Rideau Hall on Friday morning, accompanied by a streamlined Liberal cabinet aimed at tackling the immediate challenges posed by U.S. President Donald Trump and his tariffs.
Upon entering the ceremony about an hour after Justin Trudeau’s resignation, Carney breezed past reporters, exuding confidence in his new administration. “We’re a very focused government, focused on action. We’re going to get straight to work,” he stated.
The new cabinet comprises 20 ministers from the Trudeau era, supplemented by three fresh faces from the Liberal caucus. Carney retained key members of the team that has been managing U.S.-Canada relations since Trump returned to the White House, although some have assumed new or expanded roles.
François-Philippe Champagne has been appointed as Finance Minister, while Anita Anand has taken over his former position as Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry. Dominic LeBlanc has been named Minister of International Trade and Intergovernmental Affairs, as well as President of the King’s Privy Council.
Mélanie Joly, who was scheduled to be sworn in later that day following the G7 foreign ministers’ meeting in Charlevoix, Quebec, will continue as Minister of Foreign Affairs and now also oversee International Development. David McGuinty remains as Public Safety Minister, now adding Emergency Preparedness to his portfolio.
Chrystia Freeland, whose resignation as Finance Minister in December prompted Trudeau’s decision to step down, has taken on the role of Transport Minister. She finished a distant second to Carney in last Sunday’s Liberal leadership race.
Steven Guilbeault has transitioned from the environment portfolio to lead a newly renamed department: Canadian Culture and Identity. He will also oversee Parks Canada and serve as the government’s Quebec lieutenant.
Gary Anandasangaree retains his position as Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs while also stepping into the roles of Justice Minister and Attorney General. Bill Blair continues as Defence Minister, and Patty Hajdu remains Minister of Indigenous Services. Kamal Khera has moved to Health, Steven MacKinnon is now Minister of Jobs and Families, and Rachel Bendayan is in charge of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship.
Among the newcomers are Ontario MP Arielle Kayabaga, appointed as Government House Leader and Minister of Democratic Institutions, and Nova Scotia MP Kody Blois, who takes on the role of Minister of Agriculture, Agri-food, and Rural Development. Ontario MP Ali Ehsassi has been named Minister of Public Services and Procurement, as well as Minister of “Government Transformation” — a new title.
Eight Trudeau-era ministers, including Mark Holland, Arif Virani, and Lawrence MacAulay, were not included in Carney’s cabinet, having indicated they would not run in the next election.
This new cabinet is anticipated to be in place as a general election is expected to be called, likely before March 24, when Parliament is scheduled to resume.
Susan Smith, co-founder of Bluesky Strategy Group, believes Carney is signalling both stability and a shift in economic direction with his cabinet selections. She remarked that moving Guilbeault away from the environment role represents “a major, major shift” that will likely please many, suggesting it indicates Carney’s intention to adopt a different approach to the energy sector.
Notable Trudeau ministers absent from Carney’s government include Marc Miller, Jean-Yves Duclos, Ahmed Hussen, and Diane Lebouthillier. Smith noted that Miller’s absence could allow him to focus exclusively on campaigning, given his effectiveness as a government spokesperson.
Former Prime Minister Jean Chrétien expressed his belief that Carney will excel in his new role, stating, “He has a lot of experience and he has proved himself,” as he arrived for the swearing-in ceremony. Chrétien advised Carney to adapt daily to the news cycle dictated by President Trump, concluding with the simple encouragement: “Do your best.”
This report by The Canadian Press was first published on March 14, 2025, and is credited to Sarah Ritchie and Catherine Morrison.
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