Smiles, promises as Carney holds first meeting with new cabinet

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OTTAWA — With the beginning of a contracted spring sitting of the House of Commons less than two weeks away, Canada’s new cabinet wasted no time in meeting.

Many members of Prime Minister Mark Carney’s cabinet had little to say to reporters outside of the government caucus room in West Block Wednesday morning, with many breezing by the cameras with little more than a smile or a few words.

“Nice to see you all,” said Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne as he walked by, while others — including Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree — just smiled and nodded.

Those who did stop had little information to give reporters — evident when one media member asked Defence Minister David McGuinty about unaddressed concerns regarding Canada’s F-35 fighter jet procurement.

“That task was given to (former defence minister Bill Blair) probably a month ago, so I’m not sure where that stands right now,” said McGuinty, who ahead of Wednesday’s cabinet meeting had only been defence minister for 22 hours.

Among cabinet’s mission, according to Jobs and Families Minister Patty Hajdu, is protecting Canadian workers in light of the “dynamic” economic relationship between Canada and the United States.

“That’s the task the prime minister has given me, along with many other ministers — to ensure that we support workers, no matter what happens,” she said.

When asked about criticism over Carney’s cabinet — particularly comments by Alberta Premier Danielle Smith — she said the picks reflect the diversity of Canada.

“There’s an opportunity to work with all kinds of voices all across the country, and I think Mr. Carney has said that — we will do that, we will serve all Canadians,” she said.

Smith lamented that Carney’s picks weren’t the political “reset” she was hoping for.

“We are being forced to contend with yet another ‘keep it in the ground’ environment minister,” Smith wrote in a statement posted to social media, referring to Julie Dabrusin’s new role on the environment file.

“This is a step in the wrong direction.”

Energy Minister Tim Hodgson said he’s looking forward to getting started, and seemed to imply that Alberta’s grievances are at least somewhere on his agenda.

“We have a lot to do, I look forward to working with my provincial and territorial counterparts, our Indigenous partners, our industrial partners and other stakeholders to build a more prosperous, secure and safe Canada,” he said.

“I will be going out West very soon.”

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