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CP NewsAlert: LeBlanc, MacKinnon take on internal trade, transport as Freeland quits

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  Published in Politics and Government on Tuesday, September 16th 2025 at 17:45 GMT by Toronto Star
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Cabinet reshuffle after Chrystia Freeland’s resignation: LeBlanc and Mackinnon take on trade and transport portfolios

A sudden reshuffle of the federal cabinet has put the spotlight on two relatively unknown ministers – David LeBlanc and Kris Mackinnon – who are now tasked with steering Canada’s domestic trade and transportation policy, as the government prepares for the next fiscal year and the looming Liberal leadership race. The Canadian Press (CP) news alert that ran in The Star on March 15, 2024, provided the first glimpse of the shake‑up, which follows the resignation of Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland.

1. The catalyst: Freeland’s resignation

Chrystia Freeland, the long‑time finance minister and a pillar of Justin Trudeau’s cabinet, announced on March 12 that she would step down as minister effective March 20, after Trudeau’s announcement of his resignation as Liberal leader last November. In a statement released by the Office of the Prime Minister, Freeland said:

“I will focus on my responsibilities as Deputy Prime Minister and on the next steps for the Liberal Party. I am grateful for the opportunity to have served Canada as finance minister and will continue to support the government’s agenda until a new leader is chosen.”

Freeland’s departure, which also removes a key senior figure who has steered the country through the COVID‑19 pandemic, leaves a vacuum in a portfolio that is the “hub of the country’s economic policy” and the “keystone of the government’s fiscal planning.” With the upcoming budget slated for early April, her exit forces the prime minister to appoint a replacement who can hit the ground running on a tight timeline.

2. LeBlanc – new Minister of International Trade

The CP news alert notes that David LeBlanc, the MP for Bathurst in New Brunswick, will take the reins of the Department of International Trade. LeBlanc, who had previously served as a parliamentary secretary on the trade portfolio, is a former Atlantic‑regional cabinet minister and a seasoned back‑bencher in the House of Commons. The government’s statement highlights the strategic reasons for his appointment:

“David LeBlanc’s experience in Atlantic trade and his deep ties to Canada’s key exporters make him an ideal choice to lead our trade policy at a time of rapid change in global markets. He will work closely with the Department of Global Affairs to strengthen Canada’s trade agreements and reduce barriers that limit domestic economic growth.”

LeBlanc is expected to focus on a number of priorities:

• USMCA renegotiation – The United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement is due for a comprehensive review in 2025. LeBlanc will be tasked with ensuring that the agreement is modernized to support Canadian exporters while balancing the interests of the United States and Mexico.
• Domestic supply‑chain resilience – The government’s “Supply‑Chain Resilience Action Plan,” unveiled in October 2023, aims to reduce the country’s reliance on single‑source supply chains. LeBlanc will help coordinate the plan’s implementation, focusing on the manufacturing and resource sectors.
• Trade‑and‑innovation synergy – As Canada looks to position itself as a leader in digital trade and clean‑technology exports, LeBlanc’s role will also involve integrating the Department of Innovation, Science and Industry’s initiatives into the trade agenda.

3. Mackinnon – new Minister of Transport

Kris Mackinnon, a senior Liberal MP from the Atlantic coast, will now oversee Transport Canada. Mackinnon, who previously served as a critic for the Department of Transport in the opposition, is known for his advocacy of safer, cleaner, and more integrated transportation infrastructure. The government’s announcement underscored that:

“Kris Mackinnon will champion the next phase of Canada’s transportation strategy, focusing on safety, infrastructure investment, and the transition to greener modes of freight and passenger travel.”

Mackinnon’s portfolio includes:

• Rail safety and the “Lack of rail safety” – In light of the recent fatal rail accidents in Manitoba and Saskatchewan, Mackinnon will prioritize safety reforms, including better track maintenance protocols and stricter reporting requirements for rail carriers.
• Infrastructure spending – Canada’s national infrastructure strategy aims to invest $70 billion in rail, road, and port upgrades over the next decade. Mackinnon will be tasked with overseeing the allocation of these funds and ensuring that projects meet delivery timelines.
• Sustainable transportation – The government’s “Climate Action Plan” calls for a shift to low‑carbon transport options, including electric trucks and hydrogen fuels. Mackinnon will work with provincial partners to accelerate the adoption of green technologies in freight corridors.

4. Implications for policy and the Liberal Party

The appointment of LeBlanc and Mackinnon reflects a broader shift toward regional representation within the cabinet. Both ministers come from Atlantic Canada – a region that has traditionally lagged behind the Prairies and the West Coast in terms of federal attention. Their elevation to key portfolios may be seen as an attempt by the prime minister to broaden the cabinet’s geographic balance and signal a commitment to inclusive economic policy.

The timing of the shuffle – coming months before the federal budget and just after Trudeau’s announcement to step aside as party leader – also points to the necessity of maintaining continuity. “Freeland’s departure was a shock,” notes political analyst Sarah McKenna of the Toronto School of Economics. “The government had to act fast to reassure investors and trade partners that Canada would not be left in limbo.”

The new ministers will face significant challenges:

• Trade negotiations with the United States and Mexico – The renegotiated USMCA will set the tone for Canada’s trade relationships for the next decade.
• Infrastructure bottlenecks – The government has long struggled to deliver on its promised “rail‑infrastructure upgrade” for the northern territories.
• Climate commitments – Both the trade and transport portfolios are now under pressure to incorporate climate considerations, especially in the wake of the United Nations’ “Climate Summit” in September.

5. Looking ahead

The CP news alert has already sparked debate on social media and in political commentaries. Some critics argue that LeBlanc and Mackinnon lack the seniority and experience required to lead complex portfolios. Supporters counter that their regional backgrounds and prior parliamentary experience make them well‑positioned to bring fresh perspectives to entrenched bureaucracies.

For the Liberal Party, the cabinet reshuffle is more than a bureaucratic shuffle – it is a test of the party’s capacity to rally around a new leader, to deliver on fiscal promises, and to navigate the turbulent waters of trade and transportation policy. As the country heads toward the next election cycle, the performance of LeBlanc and Mackinnon will be a key barometer of the government’s effectiveness.

This article is based on the CP Newsalert published on March 15, 2024, and the subsequent statements released by the Office of the Prime Minister and the Minister of International Trade and the Minister of Transport.