Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau holds a major government shuffle

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau overhauled his cabinet with significant changes in multiple ministries.

It comes after Trudeau’s liberals won a minority government in last month’s early federal elections.

Of the 38 cabinet members who were sworn in on Tuesday, fewer than 10 remain in their previous roles.

As part of the shuffle, Canada will see a new defense minister as the military faces a crisis of sexual misconduct.

Former Defense Minister Harjit Sajjan is out of office after six years, following requests for removal over the ongoing military scandal.

Since last February, several current and past senior military leaders have been investigated on charges of inappropriate behavior. Some stay on vacation.

Anita Anand is now Minister of National Defense, the second woman to hold the post. The former academic was previously the minister charged with leading Canada’s procurement during the pandemic, which included securing the country’s supply of Covid-19 vaccines.

Another key change is bringing politician Steven Guilbeault, who has become a climate activist, as environment minister.

Mr. Trudeau said tackling climate change is a top priority and Mr. Guilbeault will help lead Canada’s contribution to the United Nations Climate Change Summit in Glasgow this month.

Guilbeault had a tough job as a heritage minister when he tabled a broadcasting reform bill that was criticized as a threat to free speech online.

Trudeau has also named his fifth foreign minister since his liberals took power in 2015. Former Minister of Official Languages ​​Melanie Joly has been promoted to that role.

Ministers holding their former positions include Chrystia Freeland, who remains Federal Finance Minister and Deputy Prime Minister.

The Canadian parliament returns on November 22 with a throne speech, which is when a government outlines its policies and programs at the beginning of a parliamentary session.