Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc was sworn in as Canada’s new finance minister this afternoon, taking the helm after Chrystia Freeland’s unexpected resignation sent shockwaves through Ottawa. The ceremony at Rideau Hall, held at 4 p.m., saw LeBlanc officially assume the critical portfolio as Prime Minister Justin Trudeau looked on.
LeBlanc, a veteran Liberal MP representing New Brunswick since 2000, brings a breadth of experience to his new role, having previously served as Minister of Public Safety, Democratic Institutions, and Intergovernmental Affairs. His appointment comes at a time of political turbulence for Trudeau’s government, which has faced mounting challenges both at home and abroad.
Freeland’s resignation on Monday morning caught many off guard. Set to present the fiscal update in the House of Commons later that afternoon, Freeland instead released a letter announcing her departure from cabinet, citing irreconcilable differences with Trudeau over Canada’s economic direction.
In her letter, Freeland pointed to the looming threat of 25% tariffs on Canadian imports promised by U.S. president-elect Donald Trump, which she said required “strenuous efforts this fall to manage our spending.” She added that Trudeau’s decision to offer her a different cabinet position last Friday signaled a lack of confidence in her leadership as finance minister, prompting her to step down entirely.
The fallout from Freeland’s departure has fueled criticism from opposition leaders, who have painted her resignation as a sign of deeper fractures within Trudeau’s government.
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre took aim at Trudeau, accusing him of clinging to power despite dwindling support. “His Deputy Prime Minister has walked out on him. His housing minister has quit, that on top of numerous other female ministers who stormed out after his appalling mistreatment and dishonesty towards them,” Poilievre said, adding that “80 percent of Canadians have lost confidence in this Prime Minister.”
Meanwhile, NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh joined the call for Trudeau to step down as Liberal leader but stopped short of withdrawing his party’s support for the minority government. Singh did not indicate whether the NDP would back future non-confidence motions, though his party has supported the Liberals in three such votes this fall, preventing the government from collapsing.
LeBlanc’s appointment is seen as an attempt by Trudeau to stabilize his cabinet amid growing political and economic challenges. With Trump’s tariff threats looming and Freeland’s fiscal policies now in question, LeBlanc faces immediate pressure to reassure Canadians and international partners of the government’s ability to navigate the uncertain months ahead.
As LeBlanc assumes his new role, attention will turn to how he addresses key issues, including the upcoming renegotiation of the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), Canada’s fiscal anchors, and the economic fallout from Trump’s trade policies. For Trudeau, the challenge will be to maintain cohesion within his government while managing increasing dissent both within his party and across the country.
