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Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has made significant changes to his cabinet, bringing five new ministers to the table and creating new portfolios for seniors, intergovernmental affairs and border security.
The retooled cabinet signals the government's intent to ease trade dependence on the U.S., address concerns about border control, and bolster political forces in key regions in the run-up to next year's federal election.
In one surprise move, Bill Blair, a former Toronto police chief who has been the government's point man on the marijuana legalization file, was appointed minister of border security and organized crime reduction. He will also be in charge of managing the hot-button issue of irregular migration with asylum seekers crossing into Canada from the U.S.
Other new ministers added to the cabinet today:
Ministers with new or changed duties:
In a news conference after the swearing-in ceremony at Rideau Hall, Trudeau said the focus on innovation and trade is a response, in part, to the constantly changing international context.
"There is certainly a level of clarity for Canadians, for businesses, for everyone across this country that we need to diversify our markets. We need to ensure that we are not as dependent on the United States," he said.
Calling it a "desperate attempt" to hit the reset button before the next election, Deputy Conservative Leader Lisa Raitt said the shuffle is an acknowledgement that the government has failed to deliver results on trade, pipelines and infrastructure.
"It's the last-ditch attempt to finish that homework at the last minute, to try and get the approval when they go to the election next time," she said.
Canadians will judge
"I don't think it's going to make one whit of difference. Canadians are going to judge upon what is being delivered."
LeBlanc's new job will be to smooth the waters in a changing domestic political landscape with a new premier in Ontario, elections on the horizon in New Brunswick, Quebec and Alberta, and simmering disputes over pipelines, carbon taxes and interprovincial trade.
With several issues of potential tension with new Ontario Premier Doug Ford, LeBlanc said the federal and provincial governments share a common interest in strengthening the economy and creating more jobs.
"There'll be a lot more, I think, that we have in common than we may disagree on, and my job will be to work with all of these leaders in a way that advances the interests of Canadians," he said.
The cabinet shakeup boosts the number of ministers from Ontario and Quebec, where the Liberals need to win more seats in the next election to offset potential losses elsewhere.
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