PM Justin Trudeau to adjust cabinet roles today, as Pablo Rodriguez quits
CTV
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will be making adjustments to his cabinet today, CTV News has confirmed. The small shuffle is the result of longtime cabinet minister Pablo Rodriguez quitting.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will be making adjustments to his cabinet today, CTV News has confirmed. The small shuffle is the result of longtime cabinet minister-turned Independent MP Pablo Rodriguez quitting as a minister.
Earlier today, Rodriguez announced he was stepping down as transport minister and Quebec lieutenant, to run for the leadership of the Quebec Liberal Party (QLP).
CTV News has learned Treasury Board President Anita Anand will assume Rodriguez' ministerial responsibilities, while Minister of Procurement Jean Yves Duclos will take over as the Liberals' Quebec lieutenant in a minor cabinet 'adjustment' later today.
A swearing-in ceremony for “a member” of the Canadian ministry has been scheduled at Rideau Hall for 3:30 p.m. ET.
There are also plans underway for a bigger shuffle in the next few months, sources also tell CTV News.
While Rodriguez has vacated his seat on the front bench, he will be staying on as the MP for Honoré-Mercier, Que. In a notable move, Rodriguez has decided to sit as an Independent MP until the launch of the leadership campaign next January.
Asked why he’s decided to stay on and separate himself in the House of Commons from the political party he’s been a part of for decades, Rodriguez said he wanted to avoid “a costly byelection” potentially months before a general election.