Omar Alghabra, Transport Minister of Canada, is one of several federal cabinet ministers who have recently announced that they will not seek re-election in the next Canadian federal election. This development comes as Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is expected to conduct a cabinet reshuffle soon.
Senior government sources confirmed that Prime Minister Trudeau is preparing to shuffle his cabinet, and this move is likely in response to the upcoming election and a chance to revamp the front bench.
In addition to Omar Alghabra, two other cabinet ministers, Public Services and Procurement Minister Helena Jaczek and Mental Health and Addictions Minister Carolyn Bennett, have also announced their decision not to seek re-election.
Omar Alghabra, who has served as Transport Minister, took to Twitter on Tuesday to express his gratitude for his time as an MP, stating that it has been “the journey of a lifetime.” He also mentioned that he will be “stepping aside from cabinet.”
It is reported that ministers have communicated their intentions to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) regarding their willingness to run again in case an election is called. Those who have indicated that they will not seek re-election are likely to be replaced in the cabinet, creating opportunities for Trudeau to promote high-performing members of his backbenches to cabinet positions ahead of the next election, which is currently scheduled for 2025.
This anticipated cabinet reshuffle is seen as an effort by the minority Liberal government to address some contentious issues that have been under intense political scrutiny during recent sittings, including matters related to housing affordability, public safety, and policies involving online platforms.
The decision by longtime Liberal MP Carolyn Bennett not to seek re-election has opened up a downtown Toronto riding for the next campaign. Similarly, Public Services and Procurement Minister Helena Jaczek’s announcement has brought her community representation at both provincial and federal levels to an end, along with her service in the cabinet at those levels.
“I will continue to represent and serve the people of Markham-Stouffville until the next election and look forward to being able to dedicate more time here on the ground as an active member of our vibrant community,” Jaczek wrote, adding she will continue to serve as MP until the next election.
I have news to share: after a lot of reflection, I decided to not run in the next election. As a result I will be stepping aside from cabinet. I was first elected in 2006 and have had the journey of a lifetime. I’m grateful for every minute of it pic.twitter.com/1dNM28YRnN
— Omar Alghabra (@OmarAlghabra) July 25, 2023
After 50 years of public service as a family doctor, Regional Medical Of Health and Commissioner of Health Services, Member of Provincial Parliament, and now Member of Parliament for Markham-Stouffville, I have decided that I will not seek re-election after my current term.
— Dr. Helena Jaczek (@HelenaJaczek) July 25, 2023