4 federal ministers not running in next election, opening up spots in cabinet

About a half-dozen ministers will no longer sit at the cabinet table after Wednesday, when Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is set to announce a substantial shakeup of his front bench, sources tell CBC News.

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

Ahead of the looming shuffle, three Toronto-area 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 announced Tuesday morning that she will not be running again, whenever the next election falls. 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."

While she is staying on as an MP, it would not be surprising if Trudeau replaced the veteran politician in cabinet with someone re-offering for the next election.

Transportation Minister Omar Alghabra, who represents Mississauga Centre, released a video Tuesday announcing that after 11 years as an MP, 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, too, announced she will not be seeking re-election in her Toronto–St. Paul's riding.

Fisheries Minister Joyce Murray, who represents Vancouver Quadra, made a similar decision.

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

Sources with knowledge of the shuffle who are not authorized to speak publicly said Trudeau's shuffle is intended to put the focus 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.

Last month, several Liberal sources told Radio-Canada they believe Marco Mendicino is at risk of being removed as minister of public safety.

Mendicino has been under intense pressure due to the controversy 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.