Prime Minister Mark Carney unveiled a targeted cabinet shuffle on Monday in the wake of Steven Guilbeault’s resignation, bringing former Trudeau-era minister Marc Miller back into a senior role. Miller, who previously served as minister of immigration and held several key portfolios under Justin Trudeau, has been appointed minister of Canadian identity and culture as well as minister responsible for official languages. Though excluded from Carney’s initial cabinet lineup after the Liberals’ election win earlier this year, Miller said returning to government service “feels great,” adding that he was eager to contribute again to work he believes is essential to Canada’s future.
The shuffle also expands the responsibilities of several sitting ministers. Government Transformation, Public Works and Procurement Minister Joël Lightbound will now serve as Quebec lieutenant, a role central to managing federal–provincial dynamics and political strategy in the province. Environment and Climate Change Minister Julie Dabrusin will inherit the nature file, taking over part of Guilbeault’s former responsibilities. Lightbound said he looked forward to stepping into the position with guidance from Guilbeault, whom he praised as an “outstanding” Quebec representative and longtime minister.
Sources told the media ahead of the swearing-in ceremony that the moves would be limited in scope and focused on redistributing Guilbeault’s files rather than signalling a broader overhaul. The shuffle nonetheless marks a significant moment for Carney’s government as it stabilizes its cabinet following internal tensions over the Alberta pipeline agreement that prompted Guilbeault’s departure.
