Thursday, April 17, 2025
On March 14, 2025, Canada’s new Prime Minister, Mark Carney, was sworn in alongside members of the 30th Canadian Ministry. This new, leaner, focused Cabinet includes returning ministers, seasoned leaders, and new voices is expected to bring fresh ideas and perspectives to the team as it delivers on the things that matter most to Canadians, such as strengthening Canada’s economy and security.
“This team is built for immediate action and focused on protecting Canadian workers, supporting their families, and growing this great country,” said Carney, who is Canada’s 24th prime minister. “We are changing how things work, so our government can deliver to Canadians faster – and we have an experienced team that is made to meet the moment we are in. Our government is united and strong, and we are getting right to work.”
The 30th Canadian Ministry consists of a total of 23 ministers, in addition to the Prime Minister. The cabinet shuffle led to the appointment of Terry Duguid as the new federal Minister of Environment and Climate Change.
Credit: Government of Canada/Liberal Party of Canada.
Who is Terry Duguid?
Duguid, who was elected to Parliament in 2015, is widely recognized for his life-long commitment to community building, social progress and environmental protection.
Born and raised in Winnipeg, his early years were often spent at the curling rink with his four brothers, his mother Georgina, and his father, world champion curler Don Duguid. His passion for the environment was ignited by his uncle John, a Manitoba Conservation Officer.
Today, Duguid is widely recognized for his life-long commitment to community building and environmental protection, having served in leadership positions in both the public and private sectors. He holds an Honours B.Sc. in Biology from Carleton University and a Master of Environmental Design (Environmental Science) from the University of Calgary.
Duguid was elected as the Member of Parliament for Winnipeg South in 2015 and was re-elected in 2019 and 2021. He is proud to serve this diverse riding, comprising people from over 100 countries of origin, and including significant Franco-Manitoban, Métis and First Nations communities.
In the 2015-2019 Parliament, Terry served as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Families, Children and Social Development and to the Minister for Women and Gender Equality. He was also special advisor to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, for the Lake Winnipeg Basin Program. Later, he held two Parliamentary Secretary positions – to the Minister for Economic Development and to the Minister for Environment and Climate Change. Terry is currently serving as Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister and Special Advisor for Water. He is leading the government’s efforts to advance freshwater protection and management in Canada through the Canada Water Agency.
Prior to his election as a Member of Parliament, Terry gained extensive experience in government, business and community service. Highlights in the environment field include the following:
- Chair of the Manitoba Clean Environment Commission (2000-2004), leading environmental reviews related to water protection and management. His recommendations led to strong measures to improve the health of Lake Winnipeg and enhance flood protection through the expansion of the Red River Floodway.
- Executive Director for the Manitoba Climate Change Task Force (2001) that set out the province’s first action plan to address climate change and grow Manitoba’s clean energy economy.
- Winnipeg City Councillor (1989-1995), negotiating the city’s first infrastructure program with the federal and provincial governments, introducing the city’s first blue box recycling program, and leading major improvements to transit, water treatment and waste management.
- Awarded the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal for Community Service in 2002 and received a GreenPAC Endorsement for Environmental Leadership during the 2015 and 2019 Federal Elections.
See also Market report on the balance between securing affordable energy and fighting climate change
In response to the announcement about the new minister, Caroline Brouillette, executive director of Climate Action Network Canada, issued the following statement about outgoing minister Steven Guilbeault and incoming minister Terry Duguid.
“Prime Minister Carney is stepping into office with serious experience and knowledge of the fundamental links between climate and the economy. We look forward to engaging with his Cabinet and government to keep Canadians safe from climate impacts and work towards a clean future,” said Brouillette. “We welcome Terry Duguid to his new role as Minister of the Environment and Climate Change. He is standing on the shoulders of the most effective Environment Minister that Canada has ever seen. Minister Duguid must continue and build on Minister Guilbeault’s legacy.”
Brouillette adds that with the federal election on the horizon, the Carney’s new Cabinet may be short-lived, “but the climate crisis—with its economic impacts larger than those of the tariffs—requires all hands on deck. As Canadians face the effects of climate change and their impacts on affordability, climate action must be a priority for all departments, all parties and all levels of government. It requires full engagement with First Nations, Métis and Inuit governments and communities, and respect for Indigenous rights and sovereignty. We look forward to continued collaboration with this cabinet, and across party lines as the country diversifies our economy from its dependence on the United States and volatile fossil fuels.”
For further details on the new Cabinet, click here.
Featured image: Prime Minister Mark Carney announces the new Cabinet at Rideau Hall on March 14, 2025. Credit: Government of Canada.
