By Canadian Press

In their own words: Quick Quotes about Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s new cabinet

Oct 26, 2021 | 1:30 PM

OTTAWA — The makeup of the newly sworn-in Liberal cabinet caused a stir of responses on Tuesday. Here are some of things people said about the picks.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau

“One of the things we saw very clearly in this election was that Canadians are expecting big things to be done by Parliament and by this government. … With a refreshed and reinvigorated team around me, I’m really excited about what we’re going to be able to accomplish for Canadians and I know that this team is raring to go.”

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“The women and men who serve in the Armed Forces deserve better support, deserve a shift in the kind of governance that they have. And one of the things that people will be learning about Anita Anand in the coming months is that she is a world-class expert in governance with decades of professional experience that she will bring to bear to make sure that the Canadian Armed Forces, the leadership and the operations thereof, are worthy of the extraordinary women and men who choose to serve.”

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Conservative Leader Erin O’Toole

“At a time when Canadians are looking for a serious plan to secure Canada’s economic future and address the inflation crisis, the prime minister appointed a group of largely inexperienced and ideologically driven individuals who represent a real risk to our economic prosperity and our national unity. This is yet another example of Justin Trudeau’s record of style over substance.”

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NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh

“It is important that Canadians see themselves reflected in Parliament and in cabinet. We are glad to see that cabinet includes women, racialized people, people living with disabilities and other members of marginalized communities. There is still a lot of work to do to make Parliament and Canada a more welcoming, inclusive and diverse place.”

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“No matter who fills the roles in cabinet, the most important thing is that they take real action and get results on reconciliation, fighting climate change, addressing the toxic culture in the military and making life more affordable for Canadians.”

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Alain Therrien, House leader for the Bloc Québécois

“Mr. Trudeau and his 38 ministers now have a duty to deliver. After more than a month of waiting for these appointments, the government has to act rapidly on a number of points, notably on the environment, culture and health.”

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Conservative MP Raquel Dancho (Kildonan—St. Paul, Man.)

“Despite promises that his cabinet would reflect the regional diversity of our country, there is only one seat at the cabinet table to represent Manitoba.”

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Perrin Beatty, president, Canadian Chamber of Commerce

“Now the real work begins. Businesses and the Canadians they employ are keen to see Parliament resume business in order to finish the fight against COVID and deliver the measures that will drive sustainable economic growth.”

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Lorraine Whitman, president, Native Women’s Association of Canada

“All of these new ministers (with Indigenous portfolios) have shown compassion in their previous roles and in their work at the federal level, and we are hopeful that spirit will continue as they take on their new jobs. These appointments are good steps forward for reconciliation.”

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Merran Smith, executive director, Clean Energy Canada

“In reality, every minister must be a climate minister, taking a collaborative approach to building a sustainable economy. That means bringing all levels of government together with industry, utilities, and Indigenous partners to map out a pathway to net zero that leaves no one behind.”

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Margaret Eaton, national CEO, Canadian Mental Health Association

“CMHA is delighted that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has created two new ministerial portfolios to tackle mental health, addictions and housing — critical issues that will require a strong cabinet focus to transform mental health care and support in Canada once and for all.”

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 26, 2021.

The Canadian Press