Major reshuffle as Trudeau faces party pressure, Trump attacks

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau reshuffles cabinet amid political turmoil and tensions with incoming U.S. president Donald Trump.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Friday (December 20, 2024) shook up his cabinet, changing one-third of his team as political turmoil threatens his leadership and tensions erupt with incoming U.S. president Donald Trump.

The reshuffle came at the end of a chaotic week in Ottawa spurred by the surprise resignation of Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland following disagreement with her boss over Mr. Trump’s threats to impose sweeping tariffs on Canadian imports.

Her exit, after nearly a decade at Mr. Trudeau’s side, marked the first open dissent against the prime minister from within his cabinet and has emboldened critics.

Since then, Mr. Trudeau has hunkered down with advisors as he reportedly contemplates his own political future amid calls for him to step down ahead of elections scheduled for October 2025 but expected much sooner.

In Friday’s reset, eight new ministers were appointed to replace those in the 35-member cabinet who have signaled they will not seek reelection, and to relieve others of their double or triple duties in government.

Four current ministers were also given new responsibilities.

Ms. Freeland, who also quit her role as finance minister, has said she would seek re-election next year.