Justin Trudeau just unveiled his new cabinet and western Canada isn't impressed
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau just unveiled his brand new cabinet, and it's made up of 36 members including seven rookie ministers.
Cabinet members were sworn in at a ceremony at Rideau Hall Wednesday, where Trudeau kept a low profile in stark contrast to the previous federal election.
We’re live from Rideau Hall, announcing the new Cabinet – so we can keep working hard to grow the middle class & create more opportunities for Canadians. Watch the event here: https://t.co/Cer95ccj8I
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) November 20, 2019
The 29th federal ministry features more than 12 veteran ministers in new positions, including former star Minister of Foreign Affairs Chrystia Freeland now serving as deputy prime minister and minister of intergovernmental affairs.
It's a tough job considering rising tensions between the East and the West, but Freeland is a Toronto MP originally from Alberta so many are hoping she'll be the right candidate to help ease inter-provincial relations.
We are so lucky to have her! #Trudeau #RideauHall #CDNpoli #Cabinet #ChooseForward pic.twitter.com/t7h9NfHCu7
— Jacques Marley 🇨🇦 (@OurTriumph) November 20, 2019
Former Minister of Infrastructure Francois-Philippe Champagne will be taking over Freeland's previous role as minister of foreign affairs.
Trudeau's new cabinet is gender balanced once again, something the PM was praised for back in 2015.
Some big changes today in the Trudeau cabinet. The PM has dropped two female ministers (Duncan and Petitpas-Taylor) while adding seven new ministers including Marc Miller, Anita Anand, Marco Mendocino, Steven Guilbeault, Mona Fortier, Deb Schulte and Dan Vandal. #cdnpoli
— John Paul Tasker (@JPTasker) November 20, 2019
Trudeau has also added two new positions to his cabinet: minister of diversity and inclusion and youth, and minister of middle class prosperity.
Only 11 ministers have maintained the same portfolios this time around, and three of the 11 have had their titles tweaked slightly.
Here's the full list of Trudeau's new cabinet.
Many Canadians seem to be impressed by the Prime Minister's picks, saying the cabinet appears to be balanced and full of potential.
Looks like PM @JustinTrudeau has picked a very balanced and experienced Cabinet with some fresh faces. Congrats to our new Deputy PM @cafreeland and other cabinet ministers. A special shout out to ‘Minister of Everything’ @NavdeepSBains. #TrudeauCabinet #cdnpoli
— Bobby Sidhu (@gbobbysidhu) November 20, 2019
Many are especially pleased with Freeland's new position.
I can’t think of anyone better suited for the role of Deputy Prime Minister than Chrystia Freeland. Big congrats to @cafreeland !! 🤩
— Lucy 🇨🇦 (@TheBlueGem3) November 20, 2019
But some are pointing out one potentially problematic fact: there are no representatives from Alberta, Saskatchewan or the territories in federal cabinet.
alberta: angry over election
— Sant (@santsingh_) November 20, 2019
trudeau: let’s not have a single representative from alberta in the cabinet#cdnpoli https://t.co/Xse6XrJaJb
Many are saying this will make bridging the divide between provinces nearly impossible.
Great observation by @JPTasker. This will not help curb the narrative and criticisms made by some that the Trudeau government/cabinet is disconnected from Western Canada... #cdnpoli #Cabinet https://t.co/RwD2qCbqz0
— Sebastien Labrecque (@LabrecqueSebas1) November 20, 2019
And some are saying Freeland being from originally Alberta simply isn't enough.
New Deputy 🇨🇦 PM is originally from Alberta but represents a Toronto constituency. That’s as close as Trudeau’s Cabinet will get to representing a particularly politically sensitive region #cdnpoli https://t.co/sWgc42jG2d
— Aaron Gasch Burnett (@AaronGBurnett) November 20, 2019
The 43rd Parliament begins on December 5, giving ministers two weeks to prepare for their new responsibilities.
Justin Trudeau
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