July 18: Labour Minister Seamus O’Regan has announced his resignation from cabinet and his decision not to run in the next federal election. O’Regan shared the news on X, formerly Twitter, informing Prime Minister Justin Trudeau that he will step down for personal reasons effective Friday.
“These were difficult decisions,” O’Regan wrote in a Thursday post. “But ultimately, my family comes first. I need to be a better son, husband, uncle, and friend, and this job requires a lot of time to do it well.”
O’Regan, who also handles the seniors portfolio, is a longstanding Newfoundland MP, first elected for St. John’s South-Mount Pearl in 2015. Throughout his tenure, he has served as minister of natural resources, minister of Indigenous services, and minister of veterans affairs.
The prime minister’s office confirmed that O’Regan’s replacement will be announced on Friday. “The Prime Minister extends his sincere thanks to Minister O’Regan for his exceptional leadership and dedication to making life better for Canadians, including for unions, workers, and organized labour. The new Minister of Labour and Seniors will be sworn in at Rideau Hall on July 19, 2024,” said press secretary Mohammad Hussain.
O’Regan’s resignation occurs amid waning popularity for the Liberals, as national poll numbers continue to decline. By remaining in office until the next federal vote, scheduled by October 2025, O’Regan helps the Liberals avoid another byelection.
“I’ll miss working with the prime minister,” O’Regan stated. “I believe he will be regarded as one of the most consequential and important leaders in our country’s history. His strength, endurance, and vision are unmatched, and they will see us through the next election.”
The resignation follows a significant defeat for the Liberals last month, losing a former stronghold to the Conservatives in the Toronto-St. Paul’s byelection. This loss has intensified pressure on the party to improve their political standing. Trudeau has also faced calls to resign from within his party, including from a Liberal MP and a former cabinet minister.
