Anand moving out of defence to new portfolio, 7 ministers leaving cabinet in upcoming shuffle: sources - Action News
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Anand moving out of defence to new portfolio, 7 ministers leaving cabinet in upcoming shuffle: sources

Defence Minister Anita Anand will be moving to an economic portfolio in Wednesday's shuffle, CBC News has learned one of many major shakeups coming toPrime Minister Justin Trudeau's cabinet.

Prime Minister Trudeau is set to shake up his cabinet this week

Big changes coming to the federal cabinet Wednesday

1 year ago
Duration 2:43
CBC News has learned Liberal government ministers are leaving cabinet and as many as half will have new jobs in a substantial shakeup. The shuffle could be the last big change before the next election.

Defence Minister Anita Anand will be moving to an economic portfolio in Wednesday's shuffle, CBC News has learned one of many major shakeups coming toPrime Minister Justin Trudeau's cabinet.

Sources with knowledge of the shuffle (who are not authorized to speak publicly about it) said seven ministers will be leaving cabinet, including Justice MinisterDavid Lametti, Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicino and President of the Treasury Board Mona Fortier.

A woman with long black hair is pictured looking beyond the camera. She is the only thing in focus.
Defence Minister Anita Anand looks on after making a keynote address at the CANSEC trade show, billed as North Americas largest multi-service defence event, in Ottawa, on Wednesday, May 31, 2023. Sources says Anand is moving to a new portfolio in Wednesday. (Justin Tang/The Canadian Press)

Ahead of the shuffle, four other ministers threeToronto-area cabinet ministers and one B.C. minister announced that they are not running in the next federal election, opening up spots at the table.

Public Services and Procurement Minister Helena Jaczek said Tuesday morning she will not be running in thenext election. The Ontario MP for Markham-Stouffville posted on social media that it "has been an immense honour and a privilege to represent our community at both the provincial and federal levels."

Transportation Minister Omar Alghabra announcedthat after 11 years in federal politics, he will not be running again and will step aside from his cabinet duties.

"The prime minister deserves a cabinet who is committed to running in the next federal campaign," he said. "This was not an easy decision."

Speaking to reporters Monday, Mental Health and Addictions Minister Carolyn Bennett also announced she will not be seeking re-election in her TorontoSt. Paul's riding.

Headshots of a woman and two men who are Liberal MPs.
Liberal MPs Mona Fortier (left), David Lametti (centre) and Marco Mendicino. (Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press, Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press, Spencer Colby/The Canadian Press)

Fisheries Minister Joyce Murray, who representsVancouver Quadra, made a similar announcement Tuesday despite having told reporters on June 21 that she planned to runagain.

"After much thought and reflection, I have decided not to run again in the next election after my current term,"she said in a media statement Tuesday.

"My work in politics and time serving my community both federally and provincially as an elected official has been the honour of my life."

Senior government sources say a cohort of rookies will be sworn in as new cabinet ministers during a ceremony at Rideau Hall on Wednesday.

Sources said Trudeau's goal isto put the focus back on the government's economic priorities including housing and shore up the cabinet ahead of the next election campaign.

The government also wants to put key communicators on important files, the sources said.

Mendicino under fire

Mendicino's departure follows months of controversy over his performance. He's been underintense pressure over the transfer of serial killer Paul Bernardo to a medium-security prison. The minister also has come under fire over his management of the government's gun control legislation and the foreign interference file.

Headshots of four Liberal MPs who aren't seeking re-election.
Four members of the federal cabinet have said they are not running in the coming election (left to right): Helena Jaczek, Omar Alghabra, Carolyn Bennett and Joyce Murray. (Patrick Doyle/Reuters, Adrian Wyld/The Canadian Press, Darryl Dyck/The Canadian Press, Blair Gable/Reuters)

Asked last week in Kingston, Ont., whether he had confidence in Mendicino, Trudeau did not answer directly.

"I have an amazing team in Ottawa and an amazing group of MPs right across the country who are committed to serving their country every single day, and anyone in my cabinet by definition has my confidence," he said.

Sources have saidFinance Minister Chrystia Freelandwill keep her position.

According to Radio-Canada, CBC's French-language arm, Foreign Affairs Minister MlanieJoly andEnvironment and Climate ChangeMinister StevenGuilbeaultare also staying put.

With files from Philip Ling and Michael Woods

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