17 Oct: Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is preparing for another cabinet shuffle after federal ministers Filomena Tassi, Carla Qualtrough, Dan Vandal, and Marie-Claude Bibeau announced they will not run in the next federal election, sparking further shifts within his Liberal government.
The ministers, all elected in 2015, expressed personal reasons for stepping down, though their decisions come at a time when Trudeau is facing growing internal dissent. A group of Liberal MPs is reportedly planning to request Trudeau step aside as party leader ahead of the next election for the party’s benefit. This comes alongside declining polling numbers and increasing challenges to the minority government’s stability.
Filomena Tassi, who has been the minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario, cited family reasons in her statement: “It’s time for me to be closer to home with my family.” She assured her continued confidence in Trudeau’s leadership.
Carla Qualtrough, the minister for sport, similarly stated, “It is time to move on,” expressing mixed emotions about her decision to leave public office. Dan Vandal, minister of northern affairs, stated that he had informed Trudeau about his decision to step down, adding that he “fully” supports Trudeau’s continued leadership.
Marie-Claude Bibeau, the minister of national revenue, is reportedly considering a run for mayor of Sherbrooke, Quebec, and is expected to confirm her political future soon.
These resignations are part of a broader pattern of cabinet members stepping down, including former transport minister Pablo Rodriguez, who left to pursue Quebec Liberal Party leadership, and Seamus O’Regan, who resigned for personal reasons.
Political analysts have noted that these moves reflect a government in its later stage, as Trudeau’s leadership comes under scrutiny with internal party calls for change. David Coletto from Abacus Data stated that while a cabinet shuffle might not entirely address the government’s challenges, it could be a signal of potential shifts in direction as Trudeau attempts to regain momentum.
Speculation of an early federal election has intensified, as the Liberals continue to navigate a challenging political landscape with pressure from opposition parties and uncertain support from the Bloc Quebecois and NDP.
With these resignations, Trudeau faces the task of reshuffling his team and possibly charting a new path for the remainder of his government’s term, aiming to stabilize internal party dynamics and improve public confidence.
