tag:theconversation.com,2011:/ca/topics/cabinet-shuffle-57102/articlesCabinet shuffle – The Conversation2019-11-24T14:58:01Ztag:theconversation.com,2011:article/1275682019-11-24T14:58:01Z2019-11-24T14:58:01ZChrystia Freeland: Promoted or doomed to failure?<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/303295/original/file-20191123-74542-13xeufk.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&rect=0%2C0%2C5120%2C3410&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">Chrystia Freeland, newly named deputy prime minister and minister of intergovernmental affairs, speaks following the swearing-in of the new cabinet at Rideau Hall in Ottawa. </span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source"> THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld</span></span></figcaption></figure><p><a href="https://www.thestar.com/politics/federal/2019/11/20/chrystia-freeland-named-deputy-prime-minister-in-cabinet-shuffle.html">The new Liberal cabinet</a> has mostly familiar faces, with just a few shuffled deck chairs and some new ministers.</p>
<p>Much of the focus has landed on Chrystia Freeland, the new minister of intergovernmental affairs and deputy prime minister.</p>
<p>Freeland is clearly Justin Trudeau’s most powerful minister, with a bundle of political problems on her plate. Regional tensions are brewing across Canada and <a href="https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/chrystia-freeland-western-alienation-national-unity-trudeau-1.5370341">she will need all her negotiating skills to forge solutions.</a> </p>
<p>So is this a promotion for the high-profile former foreign affairs minister who spearheaded the negotiations with U.S. President Donald Trump’s team to nail down a new NAFTA, and who told the world that Canada had returned as an important middle power and defender of women and all human rights? </p>
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<p>Or is this a dead end, a no-win situation where she will now be the lightning rod for anger across the land?</p>
<p>The Liberals were elected in 2015 to a majority government after an aspirational campaign that focused on middle-class prosperity and aimed to restore Canada’s place in the world. </p>
<p>Due to their majority, the Liberals could pass confidence bills like the budget or initiatives like the assisted suicide law or the legalization of marijuana provided they accepted some input and tweaking from the Senate.</p>
<p>They could also block what they didn’t want, especially at committees, such as the <a href="https://ipolitics.ca/2019/03/19/liberals-shut-down-snc-lavalin-investigation-at-committee/">shutdown of the SNC-Lavalin inquiry.</a> </p>
<h2>A new reality</h2>
<p>Trudeau’s new minority government in 2019 now faces a different reality. </p>
<p>The Liberals looked vulnerable to defeat in the wake of a number of ethics scandals, the expulsion from the Liberal Party of <a href="https://theconversation.com/saying-no-to-power-the-resignations-of-women-cabinet-members-112693">two key women cabinet ministers</a>, the leader’s multiple <a href="https://theconversation.com/trudeaus-blackface-apology-rings-hollow-and-highlights-anti-arab-stereotypes-123891">blackface and brownface</a> episodes and backtracking on election promises such as effective climate change action, <a href="https://theconversation.com/indigenous-justice-and-reconciliation-barely-on-the-radar-this-canadian-election-124453">Indigenous reconciliation</a> and electoral reform.</p>
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<p>Arguably, the Liberals won in part by demonizing Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer, who ran a weak campaign, and by linking him to Ontario Premier Doug Ford and Trump. Many people voted Liberal <a href="https://ca.reuters.com/article/idCAKBN1X217S-OCATP">out of fear</a>, but <a href="https://newsinteractives.cbc.ca/elections/federal/2019/results/">the Conservative Party actually won the most votes.</a></p>
<p>The Liberals were reduced to a minority government as regional divisions flared. The Bloc Québécois won 32 seats after a surprisingly strong election campaign by BQ Leader Yves-François Blanchet, and the Liberals were shut out of Alberta and Saskatchewan. </p>
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<a href="https://theconversation.com/how-the-liberals-paved-the-way-for-the-blocs-return-125632">How the Liberals paved the way for the Bloc's return</a>
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<p><a href="https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/calgary/wexit-rally-calgary-1.5362624">A “Wexit” separatist movement</a> has now emerged, with Alberta Premier Jason Kenney <a href="https://nationalpost.com/news/reject-this-arrogance-jason-kenney-sends-message-to-quebecers-as-dispute-with-bloc-leader-continues">throwing gas on the flames</a> of western anger and alienation. </p>
<h2>Collaboration required</h2>
<p>To pass bills now, the Liberals will need to negotiate with other parties. Many votes will depend on regional priorities. For example, if the Liberals decide to take greater action on climate change, they can likely win support from the NDP and the Bloc.</p>
<p>But the West wants action on pipelines and job creation. Squaring this circle on the environment and the economy, the West and the rest of Canada will be this government’s biggest challenge. This is where the Alberta-born Freeland comes in. </p>
<p>Many women, in particular, are cheering Freeland’s high-profile appointment and wish her well. Women remain greatly under-represented in Canada’s Parliament at 29 per cent, edging up slightly from the 26.9 per cent of the previous parliament by electing 10 more women, but <a href="http://archive.ipu.org/wmn-e/classif.htm">still trailing more than 50 other countries</a> in women’s representation, according to the Interparliamentary Union organization.</p>
<p>Significant barriers still confront women who want to get elected to public life. The danger, of course, is that often when women get to the top or near the top of an organization, they can face either a glass ceiling or a cliff. Most women premiers in Canada don’t get re-elected.</p>
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Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/the-glass-cliff-is-steep-for-canadas-female-politicians-78988">The 'glass cliff' is steep for Canada's female politicians</a>
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<p>Canada’s first woman prime minister, Kim Campbell, was elected by Conservative convention delegates. But left to face the fury of voters towards the government of Brian Mulroney, she led the party to a <a href="https://www.cbc.ca/archives/entry/a-historic-tory-defeat-in-1993">crushing defeat with just two seats in 1993.</a></p>
<p>So whether this new position is a promotion or a dead end for Freeland depends on where party and regional alliances can be built. </p>
<h2>Skilled negotiator</h2>
<p>As we saw in the North American free-trade negotiations, Freeland is a talented negotiator. But she will need to check herself on <a href="https://www.bnnbloomberg.ca/for-canada-s-freeland-canola-battle-with-china-gets-personal-1.1225307">her tendency to lecture others</a>. Kenney and Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe are in no mood for virtue lecturing by federal Liberals. </p>
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<span class="caption">Saskatchewan’s Moe will likely be a challenge for Freeland.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld</span></span>
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<p>While Freeland <a href="https://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/i-did-not-take-on-this-job-to-be-a-spokesmodel-freeland-on-deputy-pm-role-1.4696269">is the third woman</a> to be named deputy prime minister, it’s unclear whether this role will be simply ceremonial or more substantive. The latter would be better suited to Freeland. And her role as minister of intergovernmental affairs, a job that prime ministers often keep for themselves, suggests she’ll have lots of room for breaking new ground. </p>
<p>However, the deputy prime minister role doesn’t necessarily lead to the top job. In fact, <a href="https://www.huffingtonpost.ca/entry/what-is-deputy-prime-minister-canada_ca_5dd5cbe6e4b0fc53f20d8783">no deputy prime minister has ever gone on to lead the country.</a> Many see Freeland as ambitious and a possible successor to Trudeau. So does this position favour that aspiration? </p>
<p>Time will tell. And women will be watching.</p>
<p>[ <em>You’re smart and curious about the world. So are The Conversation’s authors and editors.</em> <a href="https://theconversation.com/ca/newsletters?utm_source=TCCA&utm_medium=inline-link&utm_campaign=newsletter-text&utm_content=youresmart">You can read us daily by subscribing to our newsletter</a>. ]</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/127568/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Peggy Nash is affiliated with the NDP and on the board of the Broadbent Institute. </span></em></p>Whether Chrystia Freeland’s new roles in Justin Trudeau’s cabinet are a promotion or a dead end depends on where party and regional alliances can be built.Peggy Nash, Distinguished Visiting Practitioner, Faculty of Arts, Toronto Metropolitan UniversityLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/1021852018-08-28T04:20:52Z2018-08-28T04:20:52ZAustralia needs boldness and bravery from Karen Andrews, the new minister for industry, science and technology<p>It’s <a href="https://theconversation.com/no-science-minister-and-its-unclear-where-science-fits-in-australia-91739">almost a year</a> since Australia had a named science minister in Cabinet. </p>
<p>Now the role has been revived, following a weekend ministerial reshuffle after Scott Morrison became the <a href="https://theconversation.com/scott-morrison-is-the-new-prime-minister-after-peter-duttons-giant-miscalculation-102105">new Australian prime minister</a>.</p>
<p>Today Karen Andrews was sworn in as minister for industry, science and technology, and she joins the cabinet for the first time.</p>
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<a href="https://theconversation.com/malcolm-frasers-political-manifesto-would-make-good-reading-for-the-morrison-government-102187">Malcolm Fraser's political manifesto would make good reading for the Morrison government</a>
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<p>I believe the incoming minister is likely to be a strong advocate and effective representative for the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) sector. She should have solid support from some key members of cabinet who have a track record of supporting STEM, such as Josh Frydenberg (treasurer), Michaelia Cash (now minister for small and family business, skills and vocational education), and Greg Hunt (minister for health). </p>
<p>But this is a complex portfolio and as a new member she will need to work hard to build cabinet-wide support for solutions to key challenges in the sector.</p>
<p>Andrews is the member for <a href="https://www.aec.gov.au/profiles/qld/mcpherson.htm">McPherson</a>, an electorate in southern Queensland. She has held the seat since her election in 2010, joining politics as a graduate of mechanical engineering and following a career in human resources and industrial relations. </p>
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<a href="https://theconversation.com/science-meets-parliament-doesnt-let-the-rest-of-us-off-the-hook-90692">Science Meets Parliament doesn't let the rest of us off the hook</a>
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<h2>Active in STEM</h2>
<p>During her eight years in parliament, Andrews has shown an avid interest in science and technology.</p>
<p>Previously assistant minister for vocational education and skills, and before that assistant minister for science, Andrews is the co-founder and co-convenor of the <a href="https://scienceandtechnologyaustralia.org.au/what-we-do/parliamentary-friends-of-science/">Parliamentary Friends of Science</a> group alongside shadow minister for defence <a href="https://www.alp.org.au/richard_marles">Richard Marles</a>.</p>
<p>She has attended <a href="https://scienceandtechnologyaustralia.org.au/what-we-do/science-meets-parliament/">Science meets Parliament</a> for many years and participates in Science and Technology Australia’s <a href="https://scienceandtechnologyaustralia.org.au/stem-ambassador-program/">STEM Ambassador program</a>.</p>
<p>Andrews has <a href="http://www.karenandrewsmp.com.au/Newsroom/Media/ID/1725/Students-set-their-sights-on-studying-STEM-in-schools">promoted the value of STEM education</a>, voiced her support for the <a href="https://www.innovationaus.com/2015/10/Interview-Science-Minister-Karen-Andrews/">potential for nuclear power</a> for Australia, and publicly <a href="http://www.karenandrewsmp.com.au/Newsroom/Media/ID/992/New-campaign-to-encourage-parents-to-Get-the-facts-about-Immunisation">encouraged vaccination</a>. </p>
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<a href="https://theconversation.com/have-you-had-your-diphtheria-vaccines-heres-why-it-matters-98174">Have you had your diphtheria vaccines? Here's why it matters</a>
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<p><a href="https://www.theaustralian.com.au/higher-education/science-class-for-the-ruling-class/news-story/f45a934bc1f3c6cc715b028d063b487c">In a recent interview</a> she said,</p>
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<p>I am very keen that my parliamentary colleagues understand science, technology, engineering and maths and the importance of evidence-based decision making. We all need to make sure we are making decisions based on evidence, not opinions. </p>
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<h2>We need a better plan</h2>
<p>Despite some recent positive actions, Australia still lacks a strong, comprehensive and long-term whole-of-government plan for the STEM sector. </p>
<p>The government showed support for STEM with the release of their <a href="https://docs.education.gov.au/node/50601">National Research Infrastructure Investment Plan</a>, additional funding for <a href="https://ministers.education.gov.au/turnbull/super-support-supercomputer">supercomputing facilities</a>, and through the establishment of the <a href="https://beta.health.gov.au/initiatives-and-programs/medical-research-future-fund">Medical Research Future Fund</a>.</p>
<p>Given the <a href="https://www2.deloitte.com/au/en/pages/economics/articles/australias-health-and-medical-research-workforce.html">excellent returns</a> on investment in research and development, it is crucial that similarly bold, and long-term, approaches to investment in both basic and applied non-medical scientific research are soon to follow.</p>
<p>It has been noted that while <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/business/the-economy/federal-budget-2018-rd-tax-break-overhaul-saves-24-billion-20180507-h0zq0p.html">around A$2 billion has been saved</a> over four years by the government’s changes to the research and development (R&D) tax incentive arrangements, none of that saving has been put towards <a href="https://www.innovationaus.com/2018/05/Govt-lukewarm-on-ISA-strategy">the recommended premium on industry R&D partnerships with public research institutions</a>.</p>
<p>The sector still faces many challenges in increasing equity, diversity and inclusion. The government has shown support for women in STEM, through the <a href="https://www.business.gov.au/assistance/women-in-stem-and-entrepreneurship">women in STEM and entrepreneurship grants scheme</a> and <a href="https://ministers.jobs.gov.au/cash/stem-superstars-inspiring-next-generation">refunding of the Superstars of STEM</a> program.</p>
<p>However, we can do more to reduce harassment and bullying – and to support Indigenous scientists, LGBTQIA+ scientists and those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.</p>
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Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/the-hunt-for-the-superstars-of-stem-to-engage-more-women-in-science-76854">The hunt for the Superstars of STEM to engage more women in science</a>
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<p>I hope to see expansion from the government’s vision outlined in the <a href="https://science.gov.au/scienceGov/NationalScienceStatement/index.html">National Science Statement</a>, that outlines a role for the sector more broadly, along with clear and measurable priorities and goals. This will allow Australian science and technology to move forward with more confidence and purpose.</p>
<p>Similarly, it’s important for Australia to address a shortage in STEM skills, <a href="https://www.minister.industry.gov.au/ministers/andrews/media-releases/stem-skills-key-australias-economic-success">an issue that was highlighted by Andrews in 2015</a>. </p>
<p>Science, technology, engineering and mathematics are predicted to be the fastest growing industries globally (<a href="http://www.utas.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0005/368546/lifting_our_stem_skills_13.pdf">it’s estimated up to 75% of the fastest growing occupations will require STEM skills</a>), and Australia has to prepare accordingly. We must reverse our declining <a href="https://www.chiefscientist.gov.au/2016/07/science-and-maths-in-australian-secondary-schools-datasheet/">participation</a> and <a href="https://www.aracy.org.au/publications-resources/area?command=record&id=266&cid=21">performance</a> in STEM subjects. </p>
<h2>Policy informed by evidence</h2>
<p>Finally, it’s important that as the spokesperson for science and technology in cabinet, Andrews is a bold and brave advocate for policy informed by evidence.</p>
<p>In a 2009 speech by the then Productivity Commission Chairman, Professor Gary Banks, <a href="https://www.pc.gov.au/news-media/speeches/cs20090204/20090204-evidence-based-policy.pdf">emphasised the importance of evidence-based policy</a>, especially in regard to long-term and complex environmental, social and economic challenges.</p>
<p>Instances such as the Higher-Education Contribution Scheme (HECS) and the shift to inflation targeting monetary policy are just two examples of long-term policy being developed from a strong evidence base. It is <a href="https://www.theaustralian.com.au/higher-education/boost-public-service-so-experts-can-do-research-needed-for-policy/news-story/361de8cd9fe8c982a720e7fa0b6ffcc0">clear that further investment in evidence-based policy formation is required</a>.</p>
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Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/take-it-from-us-heres-what-we-need-in-an-ambassador-for-women-in-science-93060">Take it from us: here's what we need in an ambassador for women in science</a>
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<p>With a new minister, and a new voice in cabinet to promote science and evidence, I am more optimistic about the future of Australian science and technology.</p>
<p>Having a representative that is qualified, demonstrably passionate, and who is engaged with the STEM sector at all levels, gives us hope that we will see visionary leadership and strength from the member for McPherson.</p>
<p>I look forward to continuing to work with the government to make STEM a top priority for Australia, and ensure that our scientists and technologists play a key role in the nation’s future environment, health, wealth and well-being.</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/102185/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Emma Johnston is currently Dean of Science at UNSW Sydney and President of Science and Technology Australia.</span></em></p>Her track record suggests Andrews is likely to be a strong advocate and effective representative for the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) sector. But many challenges remain.Emma Johnston, Professor and Dean of Science, UNSW SydneyLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.tag:theconversation.com,2011:article/1002932018-07-19T21:23:42Z2018-07-19T21:23:42ZTrudeau’s cabinet shuffle patches holes before next election<figure><img src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/228503/original/file-20180719-142408-g0e58c.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=496&fit=clip" /><figcaption><span class="caption">Mary Ng is hugged by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau after being sworn in as Minister of Small Business and Export Promotion during a swearing-in ceremony at Rideau Hall on July 18, 2018. The cabinet shuffle sets the stage for the next federal election in the fall of 2019.</span> <span class="attribution"><span class="source"> THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang</span></span></figcaption></figure><p>Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s <a href="https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/trudeau-cabinet-shuffle-2018-1.4749976">recent cabinet shuffle</a> could be considered as minor, because he left many key ministers in place.</p>
<p><a href="http://cfreeland.liberal.ca/">Chrystia Freeland</a> remains in Foreign Affairs, <a href="http://bmorneau.liberal.ca/">Bill Morneau</a> in Finance and <a href="https://pm.gc.ca/eng/minister/honourable-jody-wilson-raybould">Jody Wilson-Raybould</a> in Justice, occupying what many regard as the most important portfolios for any federal government. </p>
<p>Perhaps the prime minister believes they’ve been successful to date, despite <a href="https://theconversation.com/consumers-to-pay-the-price-as-canada-punches-back-against-u-s-tariffs-97685">continuing trade skirmishes with the United States</a>, <a href="https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/morneau-credits-simpler-small-business-tax-plan-to-crowdsourcing/article38157292/">tax proposals for small businesses</a> from which the government has largely retreated and outstanding issues <a href="https://ottawacitizen.com/cannabis/cannabis-business/health-canada-warns-cannabis-companies-against-sponsoring-music-festivals-and-promoting-pot">regarding cannabis regulation</a> and <a href="https://www.macleans.ca/society/assisted-dying-was-supposed-to-be-an-option-to-some-patients-it-looks-like-the-only-one/">assisted dying</a>.</p>
<p>The only minister essentially <a href="https://nationalpost.com/news/politics/once-a-rising-star-melanie-joly-demoted-after-hurting-liberals-in-quebec">demoted is Melanie Joly</a>, probably because the Heritage portfolio’s issues (notably exemption from taxation for Netflix and weak efforts to encourage Canadian cultural production) seem to have overwhelmed her. </p>
<p>Many other changes seem largely inconsequential. And yet it’s not really a minor cabinet shuffle at all.</p>
<h2>Federal election on the horizon</h2>
<p>First, it’s probably the last cabinet shuffle before the 2019 election. It’s not impossible to imagine further changes before then, but it’s unlikely, because ministers are normally given a chance to settle in and show what they can do before the government goes again to the polls.</p>
<p>Second, with an election next year, Trudeau has taken the opportunity to change portfolios and ministers so as to highlight areas where he may face campaign challenges. If new faces in new roles can be successful, the Liberals will feel more confident entering the first campaign in which their record as a government will be the focus of attention.</p>
<p>What are the areas the prime minister has signalled needed shoring up? Where are the holes he is trying to plug?</p>
<p>First, <a href="https://www.theglobeandmail.com/politics/article-canada-still-aiming-for-intensive-nafta-talks-even-though-trumps-in/">as NAFTA renegotiations drag on</a> (or are stalled), there is enormous pressure to find ways to be less dependent on the U.S. market. It has long been an aim of Canadian governments to broaden the list of places to which we export, and to diversify the list of goods and services we make available.</p>
<p>U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs and the threats to NAFTA’s survival have significantly increased the urgency of those aims.</p>
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<a href="https://theconversation.com/beyond-nafta-canada-must-find-new-global-markets-98430">Beyond NAFTA: Canada must find new global markets</a>
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<p>The renaming of International Trade to Trade Diversification, <a href="https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/local/jim-carr-takes-over-as-canadas-new-trade-minister-488562721.html">with Jim Carr moving from Natural Resources to head the ministry</a>, is intended to respond to that urgency, as is the increased focus on export promotion in the Small Business portfolio now under <a href="https://www.yorkregion.com/news-story/8748798-markham-thornhill-mp-mary-ng-elevated-to-cabinet-in-trudeau-shuffle/">rookie MP Mary Ng.</a></p>
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<img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/228504/original/file-20180719-142408-zjo9on.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=237&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/228504/original/file-20180719-142408-zjo9on.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=436&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/228504/original/file-20180719-142408-zjo9on.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=436&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/228504/original/file-20180719-142408-zjo9on.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=436&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/228504/original/file-20180719-142408-zjo9on.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=547&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/228504/original/file-20180719-142408-zjo9on.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=547&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/228504/original/file-20180719-142408-zjo9on.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=547&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px">
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<span class="caption">Melanie Joly, demoted to Minister of Tourism, Official Languages and La Francophonie, speaks with Jim Carr, now Minister of International Trade Diversification, at Rideau Hall.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang</span></span>
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</figure>
<p>Second, in the first few years of Trudeau’s mandate, he had the benefit of several sympathetic provincial governments from whom he could hope to receive cooperation. There were Liberal governments in British Columbia, Ontario, Quebec and the Atlantic provinces. Even the NDP government of Alberta and the Conservative government of Manitoba could be expected to be helpful with some issues. </p>
<p>The traditional battles between Ottawa and the provinces over funding and taxation did not go away, but the hostility was muted.</p>
<p>Now, however, with the election of Doug Ford’s Conservatives in Ontario and John Horgan’s NDP government in B.C., disagreements over pipelines, climate change and refugee settlement are looming large.</p>
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Read more:
<a href="https://theconversation.com/ford-nation-rises-again-what-doug-ford-means-for-ontario-97985">Ford Nation rises again: What Doug Ford means for Ontario</a>
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<p>It’s possible that the formation of a united Conservative party in Alberta could lead to a change of government there in the next provincial election. And there have also been suggestions that the Quebec Liberals are not secure.</p>
<h2>Hostile provinces?</h2>
<p>The prime minister, therefore, could soon be facing unsympathetic governments in a majority of provinces. <a href="https://globalnews.ca/video/4338202/dominic-leblanc-changes-portfolios-named-minister-of-intergovernmental-northern-affairs-and-internal-trade">The appointment of Dominic Leblanc</a> — an experienced, tough-minded but persuasive MP — as Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs is intended to make federal-provincial relations more manageable in the new climate.</p>
<figure class="align-left ">
<img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/228505/original/file-20180719-142414-1i21jqv.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=237&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/228505/original/file-20180719-142414-1i21jqv.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=452&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/228505/original/file-20180719-142414-1i21jqv.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=452&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/228505/original/file-20180719-142414-1i21jqv.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=452&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/228505/original/file-20180719-142414-1i21jqv.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=568&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/228505/original/file-20180719-142414-1i21jqv.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=568&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/228505/original/file-20180719-142414-1i21jqv.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=568&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px">
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<span class="caption">Dominic LeBlanc arrives at a swearing in ceremony at Rideau Hall in Ottawa.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">THE CANADIAN PRESS/ Patrick Doyle</span></span>
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<p>Third, <a href="https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-ontario-withdraws-support-for-resettlement-of-asylum-seekers-who/">migrants entering Canada at irregular crossing points</a> has strained the resources of the Ministry of Immigration. Additionally, a spike in <a href="https://toronto.ctvnews.ca/toronto-s-police-board-wants-more-security-cameras-new-technology-to-help-curb-gun-crime-1.4019962">gang-related gun crime in Toronto</a> has raised public concerns.</p>
<p>The creation of a new portfolio called Border Security and Organized Crime Reduction, <a href="https://www.macleans.ca/politics/ottawa/justin-trudeaus-new-cabinet-bill-blairs-big-promotion/">under the direction of former Toronto police chief Bill Blair</a>, is intended to signal an understanding of voters’ concerns about border security and gang violence.</p>
<p>Fourth, as the government moves to ensure completion of the Trans Mountain Pipeline expansion, <a href="https://edmontonjournal.com/news/politics/graham-thomson-edmonton-mp-amarjeet-sohi-now-in-charge-of-getting-trans-mountain-pipeline-project-built">Trudeau has appointed Edmonton MP Amarjeet Sohi as Natural Resources Minister</a> and Vancouver MP <a href="https://vancouversun.com/news/local-news/north-vancouver-mp-jonathan-wilkinson-named-federal-minister-of-fisheries-oceans-and-coast-guard">Jonathan Wilkinson as Fisheries Minister</a>. They can be expected to lead the fight to overcome opposition in B.C. to the pipeline’s completion.</p>
<figure class="align-center ">
<img alt="" src="https://images.theconversation.com/files/228506/original/file-20180719-142426-5hqp64.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&fit=clip" srcset="https://images.theconversation.com/files/228506/original/file-20180719-142426-5hqp64.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=600&h=490&fit=crop&dpr=1 600w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/228506/original/file-20180719-142426-5hqp64.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=600&h=490&fit=crop&dpr=2 1200w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/228506/original/file-20180719-142426-5hqp64.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=600&h=490&fit=crop&dpr=3 1800w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/228506/original/file-20180719-142426-5hqp64.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=45&auto=format&w=754&h=616&fit=crop&dpr=1 754w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/228506/original/file-20180719-142426-5hqp64.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=30&auto=format&w=754&h=616&fit=crop&dpr=2 1508w, https://images.theconversation.com/files/228506/original/file-20180719-142426-5hqp64.jpg?ixlib=rb-1.1.0&q=15&auto=format&w=754&h=616&fit=crop&dpr=3 2262w" sizes="(min-width: 1466px) 754px, (max-width: 599px) 100vw, (min-width: 600px) 600px, 237px">
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<span class="caption">Amarjeet Sohi stands with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Governor General Julie Payette after being sworn in as Minister of Natural Resources at Rideau Hall.</span>
<span class="attribution"><span class="source">THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang</span></span>
</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>It’s probably fair to say that if trade is diversified without abandoning the American market, if border security is strengthened without abandoning a commitment to refugees, if federal-provincial relations lead to more federal wins than losses, and if the Trans Mountain pipeline is completed without a serious oil spill, the prime minister will feel his decisions were sound. </p>
<p>That’s assuming, however, that no fires break out in Foreign Affairs, Finance or Justice — never guaranteed.</p><img src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/100293/count.gif" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" />
<p class="fine-print"><em><span>Robert Drummond has received funding from SSHRC. He is currently a member of the NDP.</span></em></p>With a federal election next year, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has shuffled his cabinet. What do the new faces in new jobs tell us about where the government feels it could be challenged?Robert Drummond, University Professor Emeritus, Politics and Public Policy/Administration, York University, CanadaLicensed as Creative Commons – attribution, no derivatives.