Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced on Friday a major cabinet reshuffle, affecting a third of ministries, in a context of major political crisis and tensions with the United States. This decision comes after an eventful week marked by the surprise resignation of Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland, who expressed her disagreements with Justin Trudeau over the management of the imminent economic war with Washington.
“Our team will focus on what matters most to Canadians: making life more affordable, growing the economy and creating good middle-class jobs,” Justin Trudeau said in a statement. However, no mention was made of diplomatic tensions or internal political challenges.
Justin Trudeau in turmoil
Weakened by a minority Parliament, the withdrawal of support from his former left-wing ally, the New Democratic Party (NDP), and growing discontent within his party, Justin Trudeau is going through the most serious crisis since coming to power in 2015 .
The resounding resignation of Chrystia Freeland, number two in the government, increased the turbulence. She denounced Justin Trudeau’s strategy in the face of threats from Donald Trump, who plans to impose 25% customs duties on Canada. A measure that could devastate the Canadian economy, already dependent on the United States, which absorbs 75% of its exports.
Strengthened opposition, call for early elections
It was last Friday that Jagmeet Singh, leader of the NDP, formalized the withdrawal of his support for the Trudeau government. “This government’s time is up. We will present a clear motion of censure at the next sitting of the House of Commons,” he wrote in a letter. If the motion is adopted, it will result in early elections, well before the scheduled date of October 2025.
Find our file on Canada
While Justin Trudeau has announced his intention to run for a new mandate, polls show a delay of more than 20 points over Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre. Further complicating his position is his low popularity, attributed to high inflation, the housing crisis and deteriorating public services.