OTTAWA – A look at the new faces in Justin Trudeau’s cabinet:
Rachel Bendayan, official languages minister and associate minister of public safety: A Montreal MP first elected in 2019. Built a legal practice, specializing in international trade law, and taught at the Université de Montréal.
Élisabeth Brière, national revenue minister: A Sherbrooke, Que., MP first elected in 2019. Worked as a notary for nearly 30 years, focusing on human rights, real estate and mediation, and lectured at the Université de Sherbrooke.
Terry Duguid, sport minister and minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada: A Winnipeg MP first elected in 2015. Has background in civic government, business and environmental issues. Winnipeg city councillor from 1989 to 1995. An avid sports fan, he is son of two-time world curling champion and broadcaster Don Duguid.
Nate Erskine-Smith, housing, infrastructure and communities minister: A Toronto MP first elected in 2015. Worked as a commercial litigation lawyer in Toronto and did pro bono legal work on public interest matters. Has reputation as an independent thinker.
Darren Fisher, veterans affairs minister and associate defence minister: MP for Nova Scotia riding of Dartmouth—Cole Harbour since 2015. A small business owner, active community volunteer and member of Halifax regional council for several years. Became deputy mayor in 2014.
David McGuinty, public safety minister: Veteran Ottawa MP first elected in 2004. A lawyer who has been acting whip, Opposition House leader and most recently chair of the National Security and Intelligence Committee of Parliamentarians. Brother of former Ontario premier Dalton McGuinty.
Ruby Sahota, democratic institutions minister and minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario: MP for the Ontario riding of Brampton North. Served as chief government whip. Worked as a lawyer on civil litigation, criminal matters and dispute resolution.
Joanne Thompson, seniors minister: A St. John’s, N.L., MP since 2021. Worked as a registered nurse, built a family business with her husband and most recently was executive director of The Gathering Place, a community health centre serving the vulnerable in St. John’s.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 20, 2024.
