13-05-2025
Mulcair: Carney true to his word as Quebec is richly rewarded in federal cabinet
Canadian Politics
There were new faces — and a few surprises — in the federal cabinet Prime Minister Mark Carney announced Tuesday.
One of the biggest shocks was the absence of Carlos Leitão. The former Quebec Finance Minister had been widely touted as a potential pick for the federal finance portfolio. But it wasn't to be.
Whether a lesser offer was made and declined remains unclear, but his absence was glaring. Having been recruited by Team Carney and persuaded to return to elected office, his omission stood out like a sore thumb.
François-Philippe Champagne retained the key finance file and the prestige that comes with it.
He emphasized his 'partnership' with Carney during the latter's campaign visit to his Shawinigan riding. Champagne's decision not to run for the leadership himself appears to have paid off — handsomely.
The departure of Jonathan Wilkinson from cabinet marked a significant shift in how the government intends to manage the crucial energy portfolio. Wilkinson had worked effectively alongside Steven Guilbeault in the environment file. His exclusion signals a clear break with the Justin Trudeau era on these twin economic issues.
Wilkinson's exit wasn't due to a lack of experience or capability — he had both in abundance. Rather, he may have been a casualty of regional talent overflow. With former Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson entering cabinet as housing minister, B.C. simply had one minister too many.
Guilbeault is also out of the energy/environment equation and now takes on the role in culture and official languages. The removal of both Wilkinson and Guilbeault from these economic files will likely be welcomed in Canada's resource-producing provinces.
A refreshing inclusion was Joël Lightbound of Quebec City. Highly intelligent, fully bilingual and bicultural, Lightbound had often clashed with the Trudeau-era Liberal establishment. Carney has now given him the opportunity to be the voice of Quebec's Capitale-Nationale.
Expect him to be at the forefront of complex infrastructure debates, including the proposed 'third link' bridge and the Quebec City tramway project. As the province heads toward next year's general election, these high-stakes files will place Lightbound under intense scrutiny.
He'll find a key ally in Chrystia Freeland, now serving as transport minister. Her support will also be vital in navigating interprovincial trade challenges, where language rules — often treated as a taboo subject — must be addressed with objectivity and clarity.
Lightbound replaces the seasoned Jean-Yves Duclos. For a first-time cabinet minister, the learning curve will be steep. His outspokenness finds a counterpart in another newcomer: Wayne Long of New Brunswick. Both represent a clear departure from the Trudeau legacy.
One major change that came as no surprise was the removal of Mélanie Joly from foreign affairs. A polarizing figure in the Liberals' relationship with Canada's Jewish community, her departure — and her replacement by the highly regarded Anita Anand — was widely expected.
Quebec has been richly rewarded for its strong support of Carney's government. When Carney said he wanted Quebecers to play a major role — not just be gérants d'estrade (armchair quarterbacks) —some were skeptical.
He has now proven he meant every word.
This story was originally published
