Trudeau taps MacKinnon to be new labour minister, ahead of cabinet meeting
CTV
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has named Steven MacKinnon as Canada's new minister of labour and seniors, filling a fresh vacancy on his front bench, left by outgoing minister Seamus O'Regan.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has named Steven MacKinnon as Canada's new minister of labour and seniors, filling a fresh vacancy on his front bench, left by outgoing minister Seamus O'Regan.
MacKinnon arrived at Rideau Hall on Friday morning, and was sworn in to his new role, shifting from his current spot as government House leader.
The Gatineau, Que. MP had been filling in for Karina Gould in that post, while she was on parental leave. Gould is expected to return in July, ahead of resuming stewardship of the government's legislative agenda come the fall sitting of Parliament.
"Lovely day," MacKinnon said, on his way in to the snap ceremony. As the minister responsible for federally-regulated workplaces, and the facilitator in collective bargaining, he'll quickly have to get up to speed ahead of a potential national rail strike.
"I believe that my job will be to ensure that the economy continues to allow for competitive businesses and allow for healthy workplaces, where workers are well compensated," he said, in a brief press conference following his swearing-in.
In a statement about the change to the ministry, Trudeau's office noted that MacKinnon has "accumulated a wealth of experience building consensus and working with partners."
Facing reporters' questions about the state of the Liberals, MacKinnon stood by Trudeau and the direction his slumping minority government is going.
