Trudeau stands outside Rideau Hall with his cabinet after the 'swearing in ceremony'
Making his first public address as prime minister on the steps of the majestic Rideau Hall in Ottawa, Trudeau said his new government will work to earn the trust of Canadians through sound policy-making, better decisions and a strong vision.
Surrounded by his 30 new cabinet ministers, he said the ministry showcases Canada's talent and diversity.
"Canadians elected extraordinary Canadians from across this country and I am glad I've been able to highlight a few of them in this cabinet here with me today," he said.
The new cabinet includes 15 women and 15 men, the first time in our history there has been gender parity in the cabinet.
Trudeau said he hopes to recall Parliament in early December, but will discuss timing with his cabinet before confirming a date. His first legislative priority to lower taxes for middle-income Canadians and raise taxes for the top one per cent of income earners.
With an international summit on climate change in Paris set to begin Nov. 30, Trudeau also said Canada will be a "strong and positive actor" on the world stage of climate change, working with provinces, municipalities and global partners . He made an impressive start by appointing a minister of ' environment and climate change', Catherine McKenna, an Ottawa lawyer.
He also said he plans to take a collaborative approach to governing to find solutions in the best interests of Canadians.
"This is going to be a period of slight adjustment in the political world in Canada, because government by cabinet is back," he said.
After arriving this morning at Rideau Hall in Ottawa, arm in arm with his wife Sophie Grégoire, Trudeau unveiled a smaller cabinet that puts political newcomer Bill Morneau in charge of the critical finance portfolio.
Trudeau's front bench will include a mix of fresh faces and political veterans, and fulfils his promise to have an even number of men and women.
- Jody Wilson-Raybould, a former B.C. regional First Nations chief who will preside over the justice file, was choked with emotion as she was sworn in to office. Aboriginal people will be better represented in parliament, having 'ten' members; eight of them in the Liberal caucus, as opposed to the Conservatives' 'two'.
- Harjit Sajjan was a surprise pick as the new minister of national defence. He was a lieutenant-colonel in the Canadian Armed Forces and a combat veteran who has served in Bosnia-Herzegovina and completed three separate deployments to Afghanistan.
- His associate minister Kent Hehr, who is also the new minister for veterans' affairs, is a former lawyer and popular former Alberta MLA. He was the victim of a 1991 drive-by shooting that left him paraplegic.
Their performances prompted smiles and applause, including from the newly minted prime minister.
The new ministry shakes up some of the former cabinet configuration, with a new science portfolio and the renaming of others, including a families, children and social development department.
Rookie MPs in other key roles named Wednesday in Ottawa include:
- Mélanie Joly, a Montreal lawyer, who will be in charge of Canadian heritage.
- Catherine McKenna, an Ottawa lawyer, becomes environment and climate change minister.
- Jane Philpott, a family physician, becomes health minister.
- Stéphane Dion takes on the powerful foreign affairs post as Trudeau prepares to attend a series of international meetings.
- Ralph Goodale becomes public safety minister
- Marc Garneau becomes transport minister
- Chrystia Freeland is the new international trade minister.
PM to keep 'focused on the people'
Trudeau issued a statement touting the strengths of his team and promising to rebuild relations with indigenous Canadians and run an open, ethical and transparent government."We will shine more light on government to ensure it remains focused on the people it is meant to serve," he said. "Openness and transparency will be our constant companions, and we will work to restore Canadians' trust in their government and in our democracy. We are committed to the highest ethical standards and applying the utmost care in the handling of public funds."
U.S. Ambassador to Canada Bruce Heyman offered congratulations to the new cabinet.
"I look forward to getting to know each of them and working with them in their new portfolios as we continue to enhance the close relationship between our two nations."
When she first entered provincial politics in 1981, Copps was the only woman in a caucus of 34. She believes that gender parity will ensure "strength in numbers" and change the parliamentary dynamic for the better.
After the ceremony, Trudeau hosted a Google Hangout with children at five school public schools before holding his first cabinet meeting on Parliament Hill.
Keen interest in Trudeau
"Part of this expectation stems from the tone set by the campaign and part from the disenchantment of many voters with the Harper government and the negative atmosphere it created in the years of majority government," he said. "One very positive effect of the Liberal versus Conservative polarization is that it has brought youth back into the political process."
The next fixed federal election date is Oct. 21, 2019.
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