Oct 17, 2024 3:57 PM - Connect Newsroom - Debby Rai with files from The Canadian Press
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is expected to reshuffle his federal cabinet once again, following confirmation that four senior ministers have decided not to seek re-election in the next federal vote.
Filomena Tassi, who currently serves as the Minister for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario, publicly announced she will not be running again, citing personal reasons. According to a senior government source, Marie-Claude Bibeau, Carla Qualtrough, and Dan Vandal have also informed the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) that they will not appear on the ballot in the upcoming election.
The departures mark another wave of high-profile exits from the Liberal cabinet amid mounting speculation about the party’s leadership stability and its preparations for the next election cycle. Sources inside the party say Trudeau will soon begin rebalancing his cabinet to maintain regional representation and policy continuity ahead of the next sitting of Parliament.
Carla Qualtrough, the Delta, B.C. MP and Minister of Sport and Physical Activity, has been a visible figure in Metro Vancouver and a key advocate for disability rights and inclusive sport policies - her departure is expected to have an impact on Liberal presence in British Columbia, particularly in suburban ridings like Surrey and Delta.
Political analysts say the upcoming shuffle could shape the final phase of Trudeau’s mandate, as several veteran members of his team prepare to exit before the next campaign.