With new cabinet, PM makes clear he expects results — and fast

This week, the Prime Minister boldly and confidently embarked on his third mandate with a significantly rebuilt cabinet that consists of many close allies ready to deliver on his vision and cement his legacy.

His team remains anchored by the steady hand of Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland. But it has otherwise been redesigned to bring in fresh faces and new energy, and to move strong, seasoned performers into new roles where the prime minister feels they will help the government make fast progress on major priorities. Thirty ministers now find themselves with new portfolios.

This new cabinet shows PM Trudeau was serious when he said that the election was “a pivotal, consequential moment” for Canadians when it comes to tackling historic challenges. That includes how best to recover economically and socially from the COVID-19 pandemic, enhance health care, deliver results on climate change, and address Indigenous reconciliation.

Having raised the stakes for the country the prime minister knew that more of the same in cabinet just would not do.

The PM took the time he thinks he needed to get the cabinet right and made it clear that he expects results from his new team — and fast. 

The 100-day clock on the Liberals’ top priorities is now ticking. That means that by February 3, 2022, the prime minister expects progress on a wide range of initiatives, from curbing online hate and taxing large internet companies, to banning conversion therapy, to enacting paid sick leave, to strengthening official languages and much, much more.  

This is not only a busy time for the government. It is also time for stakeholders to adapt to new ministers and ministerial staff turnover. Quickly establishing new relationships will be key to ensuring continued progress on priority files.

The government’s blueprint will be further fleshed out with a throne speech when Parliament resumes, likely on Nov. 22.

We expect mandate letters soon and a Fall Economic Statement to follow sometime this year. Among other other things, we anticipate it will give us some hints as to how, or even whether, the government plans specific actions to deal with the steadily rising cost of living, as well as any measures to slow the pace of pandemic relief spending.

PM Trudeau’s cabinet selection shows that he is firmly in control of his government and his party. He knows what he wants to do and how he wants to do it. He grasps the need for urgent action and the desire among Canadians for concrete results. 

For those who are reading the Liberal leadership tea leaves, the boldness of his action strongly suggests that the PM is not planning on going anywhere any time soon.