This live blog has now ended. Read more of our coverage of Prime Minister Mark Carney and federal politics here.
Canada has a new Prime Minister:
Mark Carney has been officially sworn in as Canada's 24th prime minister after Justin Trudeau formally offered his resignation to Governor-General Mary Simon earlier this morning. The 23 members of his new cabinet have also taken their oaths.
Key moments:
- Carney was sworn in as prime minister at Rideau Hall
- Carney named a smaller, leaner new cabinet with many Trudeau stalwarts out
- His new cabinet will prioritize protecting workers from U.S. tariffs and investing more in housing and the economy, Carney said in his first speech as PM
- No date yet set for the federal election, and news on carbon pricing will come today
Further reading:
- Who is Mark Carney? Here's what you need to know
- Trudeau’s video farewell as prime minister
2:15 p.m.
– Ian Bailey
Carbon-pricing policy news coming today, Carney says
Prime Minister Mark Carney said he will have news later today on Canada’s carbon-pricing policy in light of his commitment to get rid of the consumer price on carbon.
“We’ll come back to you on that following the cabinet meeting,” Mr. Carney told a journalist at Rideau Hall after he was sworn in as prime minister.
A cabinet meeting was scheduled for 2 p.m. ET today on Parliament Hill.
On another note, Mr. Carney said he respects the United States and President Donald Trump, noting he has put some important issues at the top of his agenda such as addressing fentanyl, the priorities of American workers and maintaining American jobs.
“We want him to understand the importance we put on Canadian workers in Canadian jobs and we will look for avenues to work together,” Mr. Carney said.
Cabinet is much smaller because it is meeting a moment of crisis, he said.
Asked about the fact that only two cabinet ministers are from the west, Mr. Carney said he is Prime Minister for all of Canada, and from the west. He was born in the Northwest Territories and raised in Edmonton.
Mr. Carney referred to Chrystia Freeland, the former deputy prime minister and finance minister who is now Minister of Transport and Internal Trade, and lives in Toronto. “Chrystia Freeland is from the west. Chrystia Freeland is from Alberta. People get classified in a way that limits the breadth of their experience. I could give you many examples of the pan-Canadian nature of this cabinet.”
2:00 p.m.
– Ian Bailey
No date yet for federal election; Europe trip will focus on diversifying trade, Carney says
Prime Minister Mark Carney holds a press conference following a swearing-in ceremony at Rideau Hall in Ottawa on March 14, 2025.Justin Tang/The Canadian Press
Prime Minister Mark Carney said he had received invitations to visit both French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer in London, which he will do in the coming days.
“We must diversify our trade partners and strengthen our security in so doing,” Mr. Carney told journalists at Rideau Hall at his first news conference as prime minister.
“The discussions I will have on behalf of the government in Paris and London will relate to opportunities that both our countries share as well as our shared history.”
Mr. Carney also said he hoped to speak with U.S. President Donald Trump “at the appropriate moment,” but had no immediate plans to do so.
Asked about comments by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio supporting Mr. Trump’s often-repeated remarks about Canada being the 51st state, Mr. Carney said, “It’s crazy. It’s very simple.”
Mr. Carney declined to be specific about the timing of the next federal election, saying it will happen before November, nor did he announce what riding he would run in.
“There will be other news in the coming days with respect to ensuring that we have as strong a mandate that is needed,” he said.
1:45 p.m.
– Ian Bailey
Carney lays out priorities in first speech
In his first remarks as Prime Minister, Mark Carney said his smaller, leaner cabinet will focus on two key priorities: protecting Canadian workers and their families in the face of foreign trade action, and ensuring the government spends less so Canada can invest more.
Mr. Carney said he wants to build millions of homes, make Canada a superpower in conventional and clean energy, and create new trade corridors with “reliable” partners.
He also said he wants one economy, not 13 – a reference to removing interprovincial trade barriers.
1:20 p.m.
Watch: Carney’s first speech as Prime Minister
1:16 p.m.
Oath of office twists tongues at Rideau Hall
– Shannon Proudfoot
In an event this ritualistic and formal, it’s the tiny moments of messy humanity that stand out.
Many members of this new cabinet have stumbled over the odd and anachronistic wording of the oaths they must all recite. The Privy Council oath is a particular challenge that tripped up even freshly minted Prime Minister Mark Carney, along with several other ministers.
Try saying this three times fast – or even one time slow – with a big audience watching:
Oath of the Members of the Privy Council
I, _________, do solemnly and sincerely swear (declare) that I shall be a true and faithful servant to His Majesty King Charles III, as a member of His Majesty’s Privy Council for Canada. I will in all things to be treated, debated and resolved in Privy Council, faithfully, honestly and truly declare my mind and my opinion. I shall keep secret all matters committed and revealed to me in this capacity, or that shall be secretly treated of in Council. Generally, in all things I shall do as a faithful and true servant ought to do for His Majesty.
So help me God.
1:11 p.m.
Who was dropped from cabinet?
– Emily Haws
Prime Minister Mark Carney, front fourth from left, poses with members of the newly sworn-in cabinet at Rideau Hall.Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press
In total, 17 people in former prime minister Justin Trudeau’s cabinet did not make it into Prime Minister Mark Carney’s cabinet. Many of them had said they would not seek re-election, including Mark Holland, who made the announcement yesterday, Gudie Hutchings, Marci Ien, Lawrence MacAulay, Mary Ng, Harjit Sajjan, Pascale St-Onge and Arif Virani.
Trudeau-era ministers Terry Beech, Jean-Yves Duclos, Darren Fisher, Ahmed Hussen, Diane Lebouthillier, Marc Miller, Ruby Sahota, Ya’ara Saks and Jenna Sudds also failed to get a spot in Mr. Carney’s cabinet.
Liberal leadership candidate Karina Gould was also not appointed to a new cabinet position. She had resigned as government House leader in order to focus on her leadership bid.
Mr. Beech, Ms. Lebouthillier and Mr. Hussen had endorsed Chrystia Freeland in the leadership race, as had Mr. Holland and Mr. Virani. Ms. Saks had endorsed Ms. Gould. The rest had endorsed Mr. Carney.
12:57 p.m.
Stats about Carney’s cabinet
– Emily Haws
Prime Minister Mark Carney holds a press conference as members of his cabinet look on following a swearing in ceremony at Rideau Hall in Ottawa.Adrian Wyld/The Canadian Press
The new cabinet has 23 ministers, plus Prime Minister Mark Carney.
That compares with 36 ministers in former prime minister Justin Trudeau’s cabinet.
The old cabinet had 17 women and 19 men, plus Mr. Trudeau. The Carney cabinet has 11 women and 12 men, plus Mr. Carney.
Overall, Ontario representation still dominates – with 11 ministers from the province, down from 15. Quebec now has six ministers, down from nine.
The Atlantic provinces collectively hold four seats in cabinet, down from six. British Columbia drops from three to one, and the Prairies continue to have one seat, represented by Environment Minister Terry Duguid of Manitoba.
Mr. Carney does not yet have a seat in the House of Commons.
There are three new faces in Mr. Carney’s cabinet: Arielle Kayabaga, Kody Blois and Ali Ehsassi.
12:40 p.m.
The ministers in Carney’s cabinet
– Robert Fife and Stephanie Levitz
Prime Minister Mark Carney congratulates Chrystia Freeland after she was sworn in as transport minister at Rideau Hall.Justin Tang/The Canadian Press
Mark Carney appointed a team of cabinet ministers who will manage the country during a U.S. trade war and a federal election campaign expected to begin by next Sunday.
Among them are François-Philippe Champagne, taking over Finance from Dominic LeBlanc and Mélanie Joly, who remains as Foreign Affairs Minister and adds International Development to her duties.
See the full list of ministers here.
12:32 p.m.
Ali Ehsassi sworn in as Minister of Government Transformation, Public Services and Procurement
– Ian Bailey
Ali Ehsassi is sworn in as the Minister of Government Transformation, Public Services and Procurement during a swearing in ceremony at Rideau Hall.Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press
After a decade as an MP, Ali Ehsassi has been named to cabinet as the new Minister of Government Transformation, Public Services and Procurement.
The MP for the Toronto-area riding of Willowdale was first elected in 2015.
12:31 p.m.
Kody Blois sworn in as Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and Rural Economic Development
– Emily Haws
Kody Blois is sworn in as the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and Rural Economic Development during a swearing in ceremony at Rideau Hall.Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press
Kody Blois is one of the new faces in cabinet – he is now Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and Rural Economic Development.
He was previously the chair of the Liberal Atlantic caucus and backed Mark Carney in the leadership race.
He takes over for both Lawrence MacAulay and Gudie Hutchings – two long-time MPs who are not seeking re-election.
Mr. Blois was first elected to the riding of Kings-Hants in 2019 – a seat that was previously held by Scott Brison.
Before joining cabinet, he was the parliamentary secretary in the same role.
12:28 p.m.
Arielle Kayabaga sworn in as Minister of Democratic Institutions
– Ian Bailey
Arielle Kayabaga is sworn in as the Leader of the Government in the House of Commons and Minister of Democratic Institutions during a swearing in ceremony at Rideau Hall.Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press
Arielle Kayabaga, first elected an MP in 2021, has been named Leader of the Government in the House of Commons and Democratic Institutions Minister.
Ms. Kayabaga served on city council in the Southwestern Ontario city of London from 2018 to 2021, the first Black woman to do so.
She was elected MP for London West in September, 2021.
12:28 p.m.
Joanne Thompson sworn in as Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard
– Emily Haws
Joanne Thompson is sworn in as the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard during a swearing in ceremony at Rideau Hall in Ottawa on Friday, March 14, 2025.Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press
Joanne Thompson is the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard.
She was previously the minister of seniors, a post she was appointed to in December.
She was elected the MP for St. John’s East in the 2021 election. She endorsed Mark Carney in the Liberal leadership race.
12:26 p.m.
Élisabeth Brière sworn in as Minister of Veterans Affairs
– Ian Bailey
Quebec MP Élisabeth Brière has moved from National Revenue to Veterans Affairs in Mark Carney’s first cabinet.
She will also have cabinet responsibility for the Canada Revenue Agency.
Ms. Brière, a former notary, has been the MP for Sherbrooke since 2019. She was named national revenue minister in December, 2024.
12:22 p.m.
Mélanie Joly remains as Minister of Foreign Affairs
– Emily Haws
Mélanie Joly is not present at today’s cabinet ceremony but retains her post as Minister of Foreign Affairs and adds the portfolio of International Development.
She will be sworn in later this afternoon.
Ms. Joly, who represents a Montreal-area riding, endorsed Mr. Carney in the Liberal leadership race.
She was expected to stay in her post, given the need for continuity on the Canada-U.S. file.
12:19 p.m.
Rachel Bendayan sworn in as Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship
– Emily Haws
Rachel Bendayan is sworn in as the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship during a swearing in ceremony at Rideau Hall.Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press
Rachel Bendayan is now the Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship.
The politically sensitive file was previously held by Marc Miller, who is no longer in cabinet. Both Mr. Miller and Ms. Bendayan are Montreal-area MPs.
Before moving to Immigration, Ms. Bendayan was the minister of official languages and associate minister of public safety. She was first elected in 2019.
She endorsed Mark Carney in the Liberal leadership race.
12:18 p.m.
Nate Erskine-Smith remains as Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities
– Ian Bailey
Nate Erskine-Smith is sworn in as the Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities during a swearing in ceremony at Rideau Hall.Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press
Nathaniel Erskine-Smith keeps his cabinet post at Housing, Infrastructure and Communities.
After nine years as the MP for Beaches-East York in Toronto, Mr. Erskine-Smith was appointed to the post last December, after he came second to Bonnie Crombie in the race to lead the Ontario Liberals.
He previously said he would not seek another term in Parliament.
12:16 p.m.
Terry Duguid sworn in as Minister of Environment and Climate Change
– Emily Haws
Terry Duguid is now the Minister of Environment and Climate Change.
He was previously the minister of sport and the minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada. He did not publicly endorse anyone in the Liberal leadership race.
He is the only MP from Manitoba in cabinet, representing the riding of Winnipeg South. He has been a parliamentary secretary to a number of ministers.
Outside his experience in federal politics, he has served on a number of climate, environment and economic task forces and roundtables in Manitoba, according to his biography on the Prime Minister’s website.
12:14 p.m.
David McGuinty remains as Public Safety Minister
– Ian Bailey
David J. McGuinty is applauded as he makes his to be sworn in as the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness during a swearing in ceremony at Rideau Hall.Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press
David McGuinty keeps his post as Public Safety Minister in Prime Minister Mark Carney’s cabinet.
After 20 years as an MP, Mr. McGuinty was named to cabinet last December, in a role that has seen him at the forefront of Canada’s response to Donald Trump’s concerns about the Canada-U.S. border.
From 2017 to 2024, Mr. McGuinty was chair of the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians, which oversees Canadian intelligence services.
He is the MP for Ottawa South.
He is also the brother of former Ontario premier Dalton McGuinty.
12:10 p.m.
Steven MacKinnon sworn in as Minister of Jobs and Families
– Emily Haws
Steven MacKinnon is sworn in as the Minister of Jobs and Families during a swearing in ceremony at Rideau Hall.Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press
Steven MacKinnon has now been sworn in as the Minister of Jobs and Families.
He was previously minister of employment, workforce development and labour, as well as being the leader of government in the House of Commons after Karina Gould resigned to focus on her leadership bid.
He endorsed Mark Carney in the leadership race.
Mr. MacKinnon was first elected as the MP for Gatineau in 2015. He has previously been the minister of labour and seniors, and the chief government whip.
He is a former national director of the Liberal Party of Canada.
12:06 p.m.
Rechie Valdez sworn in as new Chief Government Whip
– Ian Bailey
Rechie Valdez is sworn in as the Chief Government Whip during a swearing in ceremony at Rideau Hall.Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press
Toronto-area MP Rechie Valdez is the new Chief Government Whip.
The appointment comes even though the House of Commons is not sitting and is not likely to resume sitting until after an expected spring election.
As whip, Ms. Valdez’s responsibilities include ensuring party discipline among members of the Liberal caucus.
The former small-business minister was first elected in the riding of Mississauga-Streetsville in September, 2021. She was appointed to the small-business post in cabinet in 2023.
She is the first Filipino-Canadian woman elected as an MP and appointed to cabinet.
12:02 p.m.
Gary Anandasangaree remains as Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs
– Emily Haws
Gary Anandasangaree is sworn in as the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada and Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs during a swearing in ceremony at Rideau Hall.Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press
Gary Anandasangaree is retaining his post as Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs but will take on a second portfolio as Minister of Justice and Attorney-General.
He endorsed Mark Carney in the Liberal leadership race.
He was first elected in 2015 as the MP for Scarborough-Rouge Park, a riding in the city of Toronto.
His new role is likely one he knows well: He has been the parliamentary secretary to the minister of justice and attorney-general, as well as the parliamentary secretary to the minister of crown-Indigenous relations.
12 p.m.
Kamal Kera sworn in as Minister of Health
– Ian Bailey
Kamal Kera, a registered nurse who previously served as seniors minister as well as the diversity minister, is Canada’s new Minister of Health.
The MP for the Toronto-area riding of Brampton West was first elected in 2015.
She succeeds Mark Holland as health minister. He announced this week that he would not be seeking re-election in the next federal election.
11:56 a.m.
Chrystia Freeland sworn in as Minister of Transport and Internal Trade
– Emily Haws
Chrystia Freeland is sworn in as the Minister of Transport and Internal Trade during a swearing in ceremony at Rideau Hall.Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press
Chrystia Freeland is back in cabinet, but with a new portfolio – Minister of Transport and Internal Trade.
The role was previously held by Anita Anand.
Ms. Freeland came a distant second in the Liberal leadership race, with just 8 per cent of the vote, but said winner Mark Carney has her “full support.”
She was deputy prime minister and minister of finance when she resigned from cabinet on Dec. 16, just hours before she was expected to deliver the government’s fall economic statement.
Her resignation is widely seen to have prompted Mr. Trudeau’s eventual resignation as prime minister.
11:52 a.m.
Steven Guilbeault sworn in as new Heritage Minister
– Ian Bailey
Steven Guilbeault is sworn in as the the Minister of Canadian Culture and Identity, Parks Canada and Quebec Lieutenant during a swearing in ceremony at Rideau Hall.Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press
Steven Guilbeault is the new Heritage Minister, returning to a post he held before a four-year run as minister of the environment.
His full title is Canadian Culture and Identity and Parks Canada. He will also serve as the government’s Quebec Lieutenant.
The Quebec MP was first elected in the Montreal riding of Laurier-Sainte-Marie in 2019.
He was heritage minister from the end of 2019 until 2021 when he was named environment minister.
In environment, Mr. Guilbeault was a determined champion of the government’s carbon pricing policies, which generated considerable criticism for the Trudeau government.
Prior to his work in government, Mr. Guilbeault was a high-profile environmental activist. At age 30, he scaled the CN Tower to call for Canada to ratify the Kyoto climate change treaty.
In 1993, he co founded Equiterre, the largest environmental organization in Quebec.
11:48 a.m.
Ginette Petitpas Taylor remains President of the Treasury Board
– Emily Haws
Ginette Petitpas Taylor is sworn in as the President of the Treasury Board during a swearing in ceremony at Rideau Hall.Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press
Ginette Petitpas Taylor remains President of the Treasury Board, which means she leads the team of ministers who control the government’s purse strings.
She is still new to the role, having been appointed on Dec. 20, 2024.
She endorsed Mark Carney in the Liberal leadership race.
She has been the MP for Moncton-Riverview-Dieppe since 2015 and has previously served as minister of veterans affairs and minister of health.
11:45 a.m.
Jonathan Wilkinson remains as Minister of Energy and Natural Resources of Canada
– Ian Bailey
Jonathan Wilkinson is sworn in as the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources during a swearing in ceremony at Rideau Hall.Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press
North Vancouver MP Jonathan Wilkinson remains in Energy and Natural Resources.
Mr. Wilkinson, a Rhodes scholar, has served as minister of the environment and fisheries minister since he was first elected in 2015.
Although based in B.C., he grew up in Saskatchewan and once served as an adviser to former premier Roy Romanow.
Mr. Wilkinson, 59, considered but later ruled out a bid to seek the federal Liberal leadership, saying he had to focus on his files, given the tensions with the Trump administration.
11:44 a.m.
Patty Hajdu remains as Minister of Indigenous Services
– Emily Haws
Patty Hajdu is sworn in as the Minister of Indigenous Services during a swearing in ceremony at Rideau Hall.Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press
Patty Hajdu retains her role as Minister of Indigenous Services, which she has held since 2021.
She endorsed Mark Carney in the Liberal leadership race.
She was first elected in 2015 as the MP for Thunder Bay-Superior North. She has previously served as minister of health, minister of employment, workforce development and labour and as the minister of status of women.
11:42 a.m.
Bill Blair remains as Minister of National Defence
– Ian Bailey
Bill Blair is sworn in as the Minister of National Defence during a swearing in ceremony at Rideau Hall.Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press
Bill Blair remains in his Defence cabinet post, an assignment that has seen him at the forefront of Canada’s response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
He was named to that post in July, 2023, after cabinet appointments that included border security, minister of public safety and minister of emergency preparedness.
Mr. Blair entered politics after a career in policing that saw him become chief of the Toronto Police Service in 2005.
He made the move to politics, secured a Liberal nomination in the Toronto-area riding of Scarborough-Southwest and was first elected in 2015.
11:39 a.m.
Anita Anand sworn in as Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry
– Emily Haws
Anita Anand is sworn in as the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry during a swearing in ceremony at Rideau Hall.Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press
Anita Anand is moving to Innovation, Science and Industry, a position most recently held by François-Philippe Champagne. She will be a key minister on the Canada-U.S. file.
She endorsed Mark Carney in the Liberal leadership race.
She had said she would not seek re-election for her Oakville, Ont., riding, but decided to run again in late February.
She has served as minister of transport and internal trade, president of the Treasury Board, minister of national defence and minister of public services and procurement.
She was first elected in 2019.
11:37 a.m.
François-Philippe Champagne sworn in as Minister of Finance
– Ian Bailey
Gary Anandasangaree (left to right) Rachel Bendayan, François-Philippe Champagne and Kody Blois arrive for a swearing in ceremony at Rideau Hall in Ottawa on Friday, March 14, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian WyldAdrian Wyld/The Canadian Press
François-Philippe Champagne, who has been industry minister, is rising to the peak of cabinet as Canada’s new finance minister.
The characteristically exuberant Mr. Champagne has also previously served in foreign affairs, infrastructure and international trade.
He has been central to a number of key government files, including federal government support for electric vehicle factories.
On Thursday, he was in Washington with Ontario Premier Doug Ford and Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc for a meeting with U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick to discuss U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs.
Mr. Champagne was first elected an MP in 2015 in the Quebec riding of Saint-Maurice-Champlain.
11:35 a.m.
Dominic LeBlanc sworn in as International Trade and Intergovernmental Affairs Minister
– Ian Bailey
Dominic Leblanc is sworn in as Minister of International Trade and Intergovernmental Affairs during a swearing in ceremony.Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press
Dominic LeBlanc is moving from Finance to International Trade and Intergovernmental Affairs.
Mr. LeBlanc, a New Brunswick MP since 2000, will also serve as President of the King’s Privy Council for Canada.
A long-time friend of former prime minister Justin Trudeau, Mr. LeBlanc was sworn in as Finance Minister in December after the resignation of Chrystia Freeland amid tensions with Mr. Trudeau.
Finance was the latest stop in a series of cabinet appointments for Mr. LeBlanc that have included public safety, intergovernmental affairs, fisheries and leader of the government in the House of Commons.
Mr. LeBlanc, 57, was diagnosed in 2017 with chronic lymphocytic leukemia and juggled his political responsibilities with treatment. In 2019, he underwent a stem cell transplant with material provided by a donor from Germany.
11:26 a.m.
Mark Carney is sworn in as Canada’s 24th prime minister
– Emily Haws, with files from Stephanie Levitz
Mark Carney is sworn in as prime minister during a ceremony at Rideau Hall in Ottawa on Friday, March 14, 2025.Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press
Mark Carney is sworn in as Canada’s 24th prime minister, after winning the Liberal leadership race with nearly 86 per cent of the vote.
Mr. Carney currently does not have a seat in Parliament and has never run for political office. He has, however, served as the governor of both the Bank of Canada and the Bank of England.
10:58 a.m.
Opinion: A look back at Trudeau’s 2015 swearing-in ceremony
– Shannon Proudfoot
I went looking this morning for the 2015 swearing-in ceremony after Justin Trudeau swept the Liberals to a majority, just as a refresher. It’s worth a watch, if only for the first few minutes of that cabinet walking en masse up the driveway.
I thought I remembered how sunny and stage-managed and triumphant and smiley and movement-y that day was, but I was wrong – it is much, much more of all of those things than I recalled. Some 3,000 people gathered on the grounds of Rideau Hall, opened up to the public so they could welcome the incoming government, and welcome them they did – it looked like a ticker-tape parade.
We’ll be seeing a much more no-frills, businesslike affair today, both in tone and the practicalities of how this cabinet is built.
10:55 a.m.
Who has Mark Carney appointed as his chief of staff?
– Ian Bailey
Marco Mendicino arrives to a cabinet meeting in Ottawa on March 10, 2025.Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press
Mark Carney is going into the Prime Minister’s Office with a former cabinet minister as his chief of staff.
Marco Mendicino, who has been the Liberal MP for the Toronto riding of Eglinton-Lawrence since 2015, had announced he wasn’t running again before the new assignment came in Mr. Carney’s inner circle.
When Mr. Carney arrived on Parliament Hill earlier this week to meet with outgoing Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Mr. Mendicino was at his side.
Mr. Mendicino, a federal prosecutor before going into politics, was previously an immigration minister and minister of public safety. In the latter office, in 2023, Mr. Mendicino faced political turbulence over what his office knew and when it knew it about the transfer of serial killer Paul Bernardo from a maximum-security prison in Ontario to a medium-security prison in Quebec.
Mr. Mendicino, who is 51, was dropped from cabinet, but remained an MP.
During the Liberal leadership race, he endorsed Mr. Carney.
His appointment as chief of staff has raised some concerns.
The National Council of Canadian Muslims in a statement raised concerns about social-media posts Mr. Mendicino shared from Meir Weinstein, the past leader of the Jewish Defence League. The council, among other points, noted that the JDL has a long history of what it calls extremist and violent behavior. They also raised concerns about his opposition to a ceasefire in Gaza.
“We urge Leader Carney to clarify how this selection will help further Canadian interests,” NCCM said in a statement.
10:45 a.m.
The challenges ahead for Carney
– Bill Curry, Stephanie Levitz and Emily Haws
Mark Carney leaves a caucus meeting in Ottawa on March 10, 2025.Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press
The Liberal Leader framed his leadership victory as a dual mandate. He vowed to unite the country in the tariff standoff with U.S. President Donald Trump and defeat Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre’s Conservatives in a federal election. On tariffs, Mark Carney has pledged to apply tariffs on the U.S. that have “maximum impact in the U.S. and minimal impact here in Canada.”
In his fight with Mr. Poilievre, Mr. Carney has sought to neutralize one of the Conservative Leader’s lines of attacks with his pledge to eliminate the consumer carbon price – a policy he had once endorsed.
10:41 a.m.
Carney arrives at Rideau Hall
– Stephanie Levitz
Prime minister-designate Mark Carney arrives for a swearing in ceremony at Rideau Hall.Adrian Wyld/The Canadian Press
Mark Carney enters Rideau Hall alone, says the government is focused on action.
10:39 a.m.
Former prime minister Jean Chrétien arrives
– Stephanie Levitz
Former prime minister Jean Chrétien arrives - and is immediately swarmed by reporters.
10:37 a.m.
Meet Mark Carney’s PMO team
– Stephanie Levitz, Robert Fife and Nojoud Al Mallees
In addition to his cabinet, Mark Carney is putting in place the staff who will surround him in the Prime Minister’s Office. His chief of staff is former Liberal MP and cabinet minister Marco Mendicino; assisting him is Cyndi Jenkins, who has served as a chief of staff to several Liberal cabinet ministers. Marjorie Michel, Mr. Trudeau’s former deputy chief of staff who left to join the party’s election campaign team, will return to the PMO for a short period to assist and will then run for election as an MP in Mr. Trudeau’s riding of Papineau.
Other key players are Jane Deeks as the director of communications, Kevin Lemkay as director of parliamentary affairs and issues, Angad Dhillon as director of operations and Tim Krupa handling policy.
10:34 a.m.
Freeland, other ministers start to arrive at Rideau Hall
– Stephanie Levitz
Chrystia Freeland, Nathan Erskine-Smith and Anita Anand (left to right) arrive for a swearing in ceremony at Rideau Hall.Adrian Wyld/The Canadian Press
Ministers have begun arriving at Rideau Hall, a mix of old hands and new faces
The newcomers include MPs Ali Ehsassi and Arielle Kayabaga.
On her way in, former finance minister Chrystia Freeland said everyone is ready for an election, and the Liberals will win.
Former governor-general David Johnston and his wife have also arrived.
Mark Carney will meet with his new cabinet this afternoon and is expected to make an announcement.
10:22 a.m.
Trudeau formally resigns as prime minister
– The Canadian Press
Justin Trudeau visited Governor-General Mary Simon this morning and formally resigned as prime minister.
10:13 a.m.
Carney ready to speak with Trump about tariffs, trade
– Ian Bailey
This combination of pictures created on March 12, 2025 shows Mark Carney and U.S. President Donald Trump.ANDREJ IVANOVROBERTO SCHMIDT/AFP/Getty Images
Mark Carney has set some conditions for meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump amid that may be considered a riposte to Mr. Trump’s comments about Canada becoming the 51st state.
“I’m ready to sit down with President Trump at the appropriate time under a position where there’s respect for Canadian sovereignty and we’re working for a common approach, a much more comprehensive approach for trade,” the prime minister-designate told journalists during a visit to a Hamilton steel factory earlier this week.
“We’re all going to be better off when the greatest economic and security partnership in the world is renewed, relaunched. That’s possible.”
Mr. Carney said revenues from Canadian countertariffs on U.S. goods would go to workers in the steel, aluminum and other industries affected by Mr. Trump’s tariffs.
During his victory speech last Sunday after winning the Liberal leadership, Mr. Carney said he approved of the Canadian government’s move to retaliate against U.S. tariffs, aiming for maximum impact in the U.S. and minimum impact in Canada.
“My government will keep our tariffs on until the Americans show us respect and make credible, reliable commitments to free and fair trade,” he told hundreds of Liberals.
He was scathing in his characterization of Mr. Trump, accusing him of trying to weaken the Canadian economy and attacking Canadian workers, families and businesses.
“We can’t let him succeed,” he said.
9:56 a.m.
The scene from Rideau Hall
– Stephanie Levitz
Rideau Hall in Ottawa on March 12, 2025.Dave Chan/The Globe and Mail
It’s a sunny, cold morning at Rideau Hall as the final touches are being put into place for the day’s events.
Two sentries are posted at the doors to the building, and a podium has been set up, likely for Mark Carney’s first news conference as prime minister.
Politicians' family members have started to arrive, including former finance minister Chrystia Freeland’s husband.
Mr. Carney’s chief of staff, former cabinet minister Marco Mendicino, has also gone inside.
9:30 a.m.
Justin Trudeau’s rise and fall, as seen on The Globe’s front pages
- Evan Annett
From his father’s ‘walk in the snow’ to his farewell speech at the leadership convention, and the turbulent times in between, here’s how the outgoing prime minister made his mark on Canada – as seen on The Globe’s front pages.
Globe front page for Oct. 20, 2015 - Trudeau becomes prime ministerThe Globe and Mail
Globe front page for Jan. 11, 2025 - Trudeau's exitThe Globe and Mail
See the full front page looks, and more from throughout the years here.
9:15 a.m.
Trudeau proposes plan for new prime minister’s residence
– Ian Bailey
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has called on cabinet ministers to help develop a plan for a new official residence to replace the vacant 24 Sussex Drive in Ottawa.Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press
In his last week as Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau asked one of his ministers to develop plans for a new official residence for his successors. It involved creating an advisory group for the location, functionality, cost and security requirements.
In a March 7 letter to Public Services Minister Jean-Yves Duclos, Mr. Trudeau asked the minister to bring forward a proposal by January, 2026.
However, it’s unclear who will act on Mr. Trudeau’s request. Mr. Duclos, a Quebec MP, announced Thursday that he will not be in the new cabinet being named Friday by Mark Carney.
Since 1951, Canadian prime ministers have lived at 24 Sussex Dr., which was built in 1868. However, Mr. Trudeau chose to move his family into Rideau Cottage, on the grounds of the Governor-General’s Rideau Hall residence, when he became Prime Minister in 2015. He has previously said 24 Sussex has been neglected by many generations of politicians and prime ministers and is “in terrible condition.”
Read more on Trudeau’s proposed plan for a new official prime minister’s residence.
9 a.m.
Cabinet to likely include Freeland as others exit
– Stephanie Levitz, Robert Fife and Nojoud Al Mallees
Chrystia Freeland makes her way to a caucus meeting on March 10, 2025 in Ottawa.Adrian Wyld/The Canadian Press
Chrystia Freeland, who resigned from the Trudeau cabinet, is expected to get a spot on the Carney team. Mark Carney’s connections with Ms. Freeland, his former leadership rival, stretch back a long time. He is the godfather to her youngest child.
Mr. Carney has signalled he will be putting together a front bench smaller than his predecessor’s. Mr. Trudeau’s last cabinet had 36 ministers, excluding himself. Some ministers are expected to remain in their current posts for the sake of continuity as Canada fights off U.S. tariffs, including Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly, Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc and Public Safety Minister David McGuinty.
But several ministers will be bumped, including Health Minister Mark Holland, Immigration Minister Marc Miller and Quebec Lieutenant and Procurement Minister Jean-Yves Duclos. Treasury Board President Ginette Petitpas Taylor and Fisheries Minister Diane Lebouthillier are also not expected to remain in cabinet.
9 a.m.
Where and when will Mark Carney be sworn in?
– Stephanie Levitz, Robert Fife and Nojoud Al Mallees
Rideau Hall in Ottawa, where Mark Carney will be sworn at 11 a.m. ET this morning.Dave Chan/The Globe and Mail
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is offering his resignation on Friday morning to Governor-General Mary Simon. At the invitation of Ms. Simon, Mark Carney, the prime minister-designate, and his new cabinet will then take their oaths at Rideau Hall.
The swearing-in ceremony is scheduled to begin at 11 a.m. ET.
8:30 a.m.
Trudeau’s video farewell as prime minister
– Stephanie Levitz
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau sent a farewell message to Canadians on his last day in office, urging them to continue to stand up for the country.
In his goodbye video posted to social media Thursday, Mr. Trudeau spoke directly to Canadians.
“This may be my last day here in this office, but I will always be boldly and unapologetically Canadian. My only ask is that no matter what the world throws at us, you always be the same.”