Carney Shakes Up Canadian Cabinet in Major Overhaul \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Prime Minister Mark Carney unveiled a sweeping Cabinet reshuffle Tuesday, appointing Anita Anand as foreign minister and elevating new leaders amid U.S.-Canada tensions. The new Cabinet reflects Carney’s pledge to reset economic and diplomatic ties with Washington. King Charles III will outline the new government’s priorities on May 27.
Quick Looks
- Anita Anand named foreign minister, replacing Mélanie Joly.
- François-Philippe Champagne and Dominic LeBlanc retain key economic roles.
- Evan Solomon appointed AI minister in a newly created post.
- Former Goldman Sachs Canada CEO joins Cabinet as energy minister.
- U.S.-Canada trade tensions and Trump relations a key focus.
- Ten former ministers dropped; gender parity maintained.
- King Charles III to deliver official priorities speech May 27.
- Cabinet aims to fulfill Liberal government’s fourth-term promises.
Deep Look
In a bold reshuffling of Canada’s federal leadership, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced a sweeping Cabinet overhaul Tuesday, appointing Anita Anand as the country’s new foreign affairs minister and introducing fresh leadership to key posts as his newly reelected Liberal government confronts growing tension with the United States.
Carney, who succeeded Justin Trudeau earlier this year and secured a full electoral mandate last month, used the Cabinet reset to signal a new era of foreign policy, economic development, and national ambition, especially in response to the increasingly combative posture of U.S. President Donald Trump.
“Canadians elected this new government with a strong mandate to define a new economic and security relationship with the United States,” Carney said. “And to build a stronger economy for all Canadians.”
Foreign Affairs: Anand Steps Into Global Spotlight
Anita Anand, who previously served as Canada’s defense minister, now steps into the foreign affairs portfolio, replacing Mélanie Joly, who transitions to industry minister. Anand’s deep experience in military affairs and procurement is expected to guide Canada’s foreign policy in a more assertive and strategic direction, particularly amid U.S.-Canada trade disputes and shifting global alliances.
Carney’s appointment of Anand sends a clear message: diplomacy will now be led by a minister well-versed in security and defense, not just traditional foreign policy.
U.S. Trade and Economic Strategy
With U.S.-Canada trade friction intensifying—fueled by tariffs and Trump’s increasingly protectionist stance—Carney opted for continuity in economic leadership. François-Philippe Champagne remains finance minister, while Dominic LeBlanc continues as minister of U.S. trade, a critical role as Carney seeks to redefine Canada’s economic ties with Washington.
Carney has argued that the era of seamless North American integration is over. Instead, he envisions a more self-sufficient, globally diversified Canadian economy.
New Faces: From AI to Energy Superpower
Reflecting Canada’s growing focus on innovation and resource development, Carney introduced Evan Solomon, a former journalist, as the country’s first minister of artificial intelligence—a new portfolio aimed at preparing Canada for rapid advances in AI and automation.
Meanwhile, Tim Hodgson, former CEO of Goldman Sachs Canada, was tapped as minister of natural resources. Carney, himself a former Goldman Sachs banker and central bank governor, said Hodgson’s appointment is part of a larger vision to make Canada an energy superpower.
“We must think bigger—nation-building projects that define the next generation,” Carney said.
Who’s Out, Who’s In
In one of the biggest shakeups in recent memory, over 10 former ministers were dropped, including former defense minister Bill Blair. David McGuinty replaces Blair in the defense portfolio, shifting from public safety.
Despite the turnover, Carney preserved gender parity, continuing Trudeau’s tradition of appointing a Cabinet with 50% women.
The reshuffle represents a generational and philosophical transition, one designed to address climate goals, national sovereignty, and technological competitiveness—all while managing a delicate relationship with Canada’s powerful southern neighbor.
The Royal Touch: Priorities to Be Outlined by King Charles III
In keeping with Canada’s status as a constitutional monarchy, King Charles III will formally deliver the government’s new legislative agenda in a speech from the throne on May 27 when Parliament resumes.
Carney emphasized that the new government will prioritize Canada’s historic ties to the United Kingdom and France, while redefining its relationship with the United States.
Strategic Vision for a New Era
Carney’s fourth-term Cabinet appointments reflect both continuity and change. By maintaining key economic voices while elevating new leadership in foreign policy, defense, AI, and energy, the prime minister is charting a course aimed at long-term national transformation.
Whether it’s digital innovation, energy independence, or trade diversification, Carney’s reshuffle reveals a Canada preparing to act boldly—and independently—on the global stage.
Carney Shakes Up Carney Shakes Up
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