Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is expected to announce a major cabinet reshuffle today, as political pressure mounts on him to step down. Sources from CBC News and Radio-Canada suggest that Ottawa MP David McGuinty and Toronto MP Nathaniel Erskine-Smith are among those set to join the cabinet in a reshuffle expected to affect at least 10 ministers.
Although the reshuffle is seen as an attempt to strengthen the government’s functionality, insiders have indicated that it should not be interpreted as a decision about Trudeau’s future. A senior government official revealed that Trudeau is still “reflecting” on his position, and the reshuffle is more about ensuring that the cabinet can operate efficiently, especially in light of recent developments.
This cabinet reshuffle follows the resignation of former Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland, who stepped down on December 16. Freeland, also Canada’s Finance Minister, wrote in her resignation letter that she no longer had the full confidence of Trudeau, which was essential for her to continue in the role. She acknowledged the ongoing disagreements between her and the Prime Minister about the future direction of the country and concluded that resigning was the only viable path.
Freeland’s departure has sparked further criticism, with New Democratic Party (NDP) leader Jagmeet Singh calling for Trudeau’s resignation. Singh argued that while Canadians face significant economic challenges, including high living costs and the threat of new tariffs under the incoming U.S. administration, Trudeau’s government is distracted by internal conflicts rather than addressing these pressing issues.
The situation has created mounting pressure on Trudeau as he faces calls for both leadership change and government reform, with the NDP previously withdrawing its support for the Liberals in September.
