Justin Trudeau signals new style on 1st day as Canada's 23rd prime minister'
Government by cabinet is back,' Liberal leader says after swearing-in ceremony at Rideau Hall
Kathleen Harris · CBC News · Posted: Nov 04, 2015 4:00 AM CST | Last Updated: November 4, 2015
Ottawa cabinet ceremony highlights
Pomp and circumstance as Trudeau's ministers sworn in
Justin Trudeau has been sworn in as Canada's 23rd prime minister and introduced a cabinet he says "looks like Canada."
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.
Asked why it was important to have gender parity in this cabinet, Trudeau said simply: "Because it's 2015."
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 is 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, working with provinces, municipalities and global partners.
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.
Justin Trudeau asked about gender parity in cabinet
Justin Trudeau asked about gender parity in cabinet
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.
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.
Outside Rideau Hall, hundreds of people lined the walkway amid brilliant fall colours on an unseasonably warm morning to watch the ceremony on large screens assembled on the lawns. Inside, the ceremony featured two young Inuit throat singers, a First Nations drum dance and wrapped up with a lively Métis Prairie fire dance.
Their performances prompted smiles and applause, including from the newly minted prime minister.
Inuit throa tsingers at swearing-in ceremony
Samantha Metcalfe and Cailyn Degrandpre of Ottawa broke into giggles following their performance
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.
Trudeau has also included a number of political veterans.
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, while Marc Garneau becomes transport minister and Chrystia Freeland is the new international trade minister.
Other high-profile names were left off the list, including former Toronto police chief Bill Blair and Andrew Leslie, a retired Canadian Forces lieutenant-general who served as chief of transformation and earlier as chief of the land staff. |
