Prime Minister Justin Trudeau conducted a small but significant virtual shuffle of his ministers yesterday, moving ministers around in three prominent files that will play key roles in a green economic recovery.
The shuffle follows the departure of Navdeep Bains, who is not intending to run again in the next election, which could come as early as this spring. Foreign Affairs Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne is replacing Bains for the Innovation, Science and Industry portfolio.
The Government of Canada’s appointments are as follows:
François-Philippe Champagne, currently Minister of Foreign Affairs, becomes Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry. As Minister of Foreign Affairs, Champagne showed leadership and stood up for Canadian values on the world stage while leading the international COVID-19 response, executing the largest repatriation operation in Canadian history, and more. In his new role, Champagne will rely on his extensive business experience in the fields of energy, engineering, and innovation to assist our economic recovery from the global COVID-19 pandemic and create new jobs for Canadians.
François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry
Champagne will also use his experience to help the government work with the manufacturing, natural resource, and energy sectors as they transition to meet a net-zero future. As the representative of a rural riding, he also deeply understands the needs and priorities of Canadians living in rural communities, including the importance of improving high-speed Internet access that will empower communities across the country and strengthen Canada’s competitiveness.
Marc Garneau, currently Minister of Transport, becomes Minister of Foreign Affairs. From his work as an astronaut to his time within government, Garneau has been a strong voice for Canada around the world. As Minister of Transport, Garneau made progress on a number of important issues, including the creation and advancement of the Ocean’s Protection Plan and Canada’s efforts on the Safer Skies Initiative to improve aviation security over conflict zones.
Jim Carr joins the Ministry and will continue to serve as Special Representative for the Prairies. Carr will build on his past experience as Minister of Natural Resources and Minister of International Trade Diversification, where he created new jobs and economic growth for all Canadians and was a strong voice and advocate for the Prairies.
Omar Alghabra, currently Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister (Public Service Renewal) and to the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, becomes Minister of Transport. Alghabra brings extensive experience to the Cabinet table, from past work in NGOs and the energy sector to his training in engineering and business. With more than seven years’ experience as a Member of Parliament for one of Canada’s hubs for innovation and economic development, he recognizes how crucial the Government of Canada’s continued investments in transportation and public transit are to creating opportunities for Canadians and improving quality of life.
