Former PM Trudeau’s veterans exit as Carney signals a reset on economy, crime, and Indigenous services

OTTAWA – In a bold move signaling a reset in federal politics, Prime Minister Mark Carney unveiled his first cabinet shuffle Tuesday, introducing a wave of new ministers and secretaries of state, while sidelining several of former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s key allies.

Carney framed the shake-up as a generational refresh intended to inject “new ideas” and “decisive action” on critical files like the cost of living, energy policy, trade, and crime—issues with growing resonance across Canada, including here in Thunder Bay and Northwestern Ontario.

The reshaped cabinet includes 28 ministers and 10 secretaries of state, the latter tasked with advancing focused policy files without holding full departmental authority.

“Everyone is expected and empowered to show leadership – to bring new ideas, a clear focus, and decisive action to their work,” Carney stated.

Key Changes to Watch: Economic and Indigenous Files Take Centre Stage

Veteran François-Philippe Champagne retains the powerful Finance Ministry, but now also oversees Revenue Canada—combining two portfolios that could influence federal taxation and funding streams critical to municipalities and regions like Thunder Bay.

Anita Anand steps in as Foreign Affairs Minister, replacing Mélanie Joly, who takes over the pivotal Industry Ministry—a shift that could recalibrate Canada’s global trade posture amid growing northern supply chain ambitions, particularly tied to critical minerals sectors impacting Northwestern Ontario.

Indigenous Services Portfolio Sees Historic Shift

One of the most consequential appointments for Northern communities is the naming of Mandy Gull-Masty as Minister of Indigenous Services. The former Grand Chief of the Grand Council of the Crees is seen as bringing both grassroots and national leadership experience to the role. She replaces Patty Hajdu, who becomes Minister of Jobs and Families.

Hajdu’s shift marks a significant pivot for Thunder Bay’s representative, moving from Indigenous Services to a broader socio-economic portfolio that could allow her to continue advocating for regional issues like affordable childcare, employment supports, and rural workforce development.

Rebecca Alty, MP for the Northwest Territories and former Yellowknife mayor, enters cabinet as Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, signaling the Liberals’ intent to elevate Northern leadership voices in the federal cabinet.

Housing, Energy and Crime: New Priorities for a Changing Canada

Another notable addition is former Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson as Minister of Housing, with Carney indicating that the national housing crisis demands a “municipal lens” at the federal level—a development closely watched by Thunder Bay’s housing advocates.

Tim Hodgson, a new MP with deep financial sector roots, becomes Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, a key role as Ottawa prepares to unveil its clean energy investment strategies—policies likely to affect Northwestern Ontario’s forestry, mining, and hydroelectric sectors.

Meanwhile, the Liberal reshuffle also included significant exits, including ministers Rachel Bendayan, Kody Blois, Terry Duguid, Ali Ehsassi, Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Jonathan Wilkinson, Élisabeth Brière, and Nate Erskine-Smith.

Local Angle: What It Means for Thunder Bay and the North

• Patty Hajdu’s shift signals possible enhanced federal focus on jobs and affordability, both top issues in Thunder Bay.

• Indigenous leadership shake-up could accelerate or shift ongoing discussions on resource development, land claims, and services delivery in Northwestern Ontario.

• Federal housing policy reset could translate into new funding tools or partnerships for communities facing affordability crises, including Thunder Bay.

• Energy transition focus in Hodgson’s portfolio may present both challenges and opportunities for Northern industries and infrastructure.