Prime Minister Justin Trudeau proceeded to what could be described as a “ministerial micro-reshuffle” on Wednesday, 20 days before the return to parliament. The swapping of roles between two of his ministers was not conducted to fix problems within the machinery of government or to remove underperforming ministers. Rather, the very small change was made to ease the burden on a member of his cabinet who had requested it.
The Minister of Public Services and Supply, Filomena Tassi, wanted to change functions because a member of her family is suffering from health problems. She swapped chairs with her colleague from Markham-Stouffville, Helena Jaczek, who was responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario.
Ms. Tassi is the MP for Hamilton West — Ancaster — Dundas and a portfolio of economic development in her region will allow her to stay closer to home.
The Ministry of Public Services and Procurement is part of the heart of the federal government, responsible for managing all of Ottawa’s purchases, including the supply of vaccines during the pandemic.
Justin Trudeau’s cabinet remains otherwise unchanged, as the cabinet meets in Vancouver next week in preparation for the next parliamentary session which begins on September 19.
The fall will be busy for Mr. Trudeau’s troops. The government is still working to reduce processing times for immigration and passport applications, as well as wait times at Canada’s airports.
The Conservative Party will also announce the choice of its next leader on September 10 and the polls suggest that it is the combative Pierre Poilievre who will be elected by the members of the party.
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