Trudeau taps MacKinnon to be new labour minister, replacing O’Regan

July 19, 2024 Canuck

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has named Steven MacKinnon as Canada’s new minister of labour and seniors, filling a fresh vacancy on his front bench, left by outgoing minister Seamus O’Regan.

MacKinnon arrived at Rideau Hall on Friday morning, and was sworn in to his new role, shifting from his current spot as government House leader.

The Gatineau, Que. MP had been filling in for Karina Gould in that post, while she was on parental leave. Gould is expected to return in July, ahead of resuming stewardship of the government’s legislative agenda come the fall sitting of Parliament.

“Lovely day,” MacKinnon said, on his way in to the snap ceremony.

In a statement about the change to the ministry, Trudeau’s office noted that MacKinnon has “accumulated a wealth of experience building consensus and working with partners.”

O’Regan announced Thursday that he was stepping down from cabinet as of Friday, citing a desire to spend more time with family. The prominent Atlantic MP and long-time friend of Trudeau intends to keep his seat until the next election, but won’t be running again.

When the news broke, Trudeau’s office confirmed that “the new minister of labour and seniors” would be revealed on Friday.

Trudeau will also be holding a brief virtual meeting with his cabinet today, as CTV News first reported, to discuss “appointments.” It will be the first meeting of its kind, since last month’s major Toronto byelection defeat.

This change to cabinet comes amid speculation over a looming larger summer shuffle and chatter about efforts to recruit former Bank of Canada governor Mark Carney, linked to pressure the prime minister is facing to mount a successful refresh of his slumping minority Liberal government.

This is a developing story, check back for updates…

With files from CTV News’ Jeremie Charron

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