Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said that he will swear in his new cabinet with Chrystia Freeland returning as his finance minister and deputy, after his Liberals were re-elected. Trudeau, speaking with reporters in Ottawa at his first full news conference said that the lawmakers would be back in parliament this fall. He said that he had asked Chrystia Freeland to continue serving as deputy prime minister. They will be swearing in cabinet in the month of October and they will be bringing back the House of Commons.
Trudeau’s Liberals were returned to power in a closely contested election. But they fell short of winning a majority. This means that they will continue to need the support of at least one opposition party for passing the legislation. Trudeau said that he hoped his new government would last the full four years. He was ready to work in partnership with other parties on the major issues. One of the first will be a promise that the Liberals made to require vaccination. Canada continues to battle this Delta-driven fourth wave. Trudeau said that immediately they will deal with the mandate for federal employees who will have to get vaccinated.
Trudeau said that there would be gender parity. Three of his female cabinet ministers lost their seats in the election. He said that he will be seeking, to ensure that there is a proper regional distribution. The only certain return to the cabinet at this point is Freeland. Canada’s first female finance minister, Freeland, is an advocate for women’s employment and childcare. The Liberals won 159 seats in the election. The Conservatives took 119 seats and the New Democrats have 25, while the Quebec-focused Bloc Quebecois have 33. One recount has been requested so far.
