Prime Minister Carney appoints 39 parliamentary secretaries to support his minority government’s ambitious legislative and economic agenda.
Support Team Announced Amid Economic Challenges
Prime Minister Mark Carney has unveiled a team of 39 parliamentary secretaries to back his cabinet as Canada’s new minority government begins its term. The appointments come at a time of economic uncertainty and signal Carney’s intention to push forward with his ambitious agenda through strong parliamentary coordination.
Diverse Roles to Support Ministers Across Portfolios
The newly named parliamentary secretaries will assist cabinet ministers and secretaries of state across a range of portfolios—from finance, immigration, and health to artificial intelligence and Indigenous relations. While not cabinet members, these MPs play a crucial legislative role by supporting ministers in debates, managing House affairs, and representing government interests on the ground.
Key Appointments Reflect Strategic Priorities
Several former cabinet members and rising Liberal figures feature in the lineup. Notably, Rachel Bendayan and Kody Blois will serve as parliamentary secretaries to the prime minister. Other prominent appointments include Mona Fortier to foreign affairs, Ali Ehsassi to Canada-U.S. trade, and Taleeb Noormohamed to the newly minted portfolio of artificial intelligence and digital innovation.
Legislative Backing Comes with Financial Boost
Parliamentary secretaries receive a $20,200 increase to their base MP salary of $209,800, acknowledging the workload and political importance of their roles. These appointments are seen as crucial in helping the minority government deliver on campaign promises while managing cross-party negotiations in a divided Parliament.
Carney Signals Economic and Political Intent
In a public statement, Carney said the appointments would help the government “build the strongest economy in the G7,” foster a “new security and economic partnership with the United States,” and ensure “Canadians get ahead.” This team, he added, will be instrumental in pushing forward the government’s legislative priorities and economic recovery plan.
Leadership in the House Also Strengthened
In addition to the 39 parliamentary secretaries, Carney named MP Élisabeth Brière as deputy chief government whip and MP Arielle Kayabaga as deputy House leader. These strategic placements aim to ensure tight party discipline and legislative coordination in the House of Commons.
Looking Ahead: Balancing Governance and Outreach
With this announcement, Carney’s administration is positioning itself to manage complex legislative files while maintaining a visible presence across constituencies. The breadth of appointments, touching nearly every region and major policy area, underscores the government’s effort to demonstrate both inclusiveness and efficiency as it begins its term.
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