Blog
streamlined • secure • remote
Inside Carney’s Cabinet - May 13 2025
May 13, 2025 | Posted by: Matthew J. Charlton
Prime Minister Mark Carney unveiled his first Cabinet since winning the general election, and his second since becoming Liberal Leader.
Today’s Cabinet announcement marks an important milestone for the Carney government, setting the tone for its agenda in the 45th Parliament.
As expected, Carney has opted for a smaller Cabinet of 28 Ministers, signaling a focused and disciplined approach. Economic management, fiscal responsibility, and removing interprovincial trade barriers will be the early hallmarks of this government.
Here’s what you need to know:
• Two-Tier Cabinet: Carney has introduced a two-tier Cabinet structure, distinguishing between full Ministers and Secretaries of State — a system last used under Prime Minister Stephen Harper. While 28 Ministers will lead core portfolios and hold full Cabinet authority, 10 Secretaries of State will support specific files without the same decision-making power or committee presence. The approach allows Carney to keep Cabinet lean while broadening regional and demographic representation.
• Economic Focus: Carney’s Cabinet places major emphasis on the economy, with Francois Philippe-Champagne continuing as Minister of Finance and Melanie Joly serving as the Minister of Industry.
• Interprovincial Trade: The portfolio of Transport and Internal Trade under Minister Chrystia Freeland points to a continued push on reducing trade barriers within Canada. They will be working closely with Dominic Leblanc as Minister responsible for Intergovernmental Affairs and One Canadian Economy.
• Trudeau-Era Holdovers: 13 former Trudeau Cabinet ministers have retained prominent roles related to Canada-U.S relations signaling continuity on this key file.
• Rising Stars & Fresh Faces: The Cabinet, including Secretaries of State, includes 24 first-time ministers and 13 rookie MPs elevated to top jobs, reflecting Carney’s focus on renewal and generational change.
What’s Next:
Expect swift action on the economic front, with Carney signaling urgency on U.S. trade tensions and a push to sharpen Canada’s global positioning in a shifting landscape.
The government’s priorities will take formal shape in the upcoming Throne Speech on May 27, to be delivered by King Charles III, setting the tone for the new Parliament.
Please note: The source of this article is from Mortgage Professionals Canada.
