Following Chrystia Freeland’s abrupt resignation, Dominic LeBlanc was swiftly appointed as Canada’s new Finance Minister. A close ally of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, LeBlanc, 57, previously served as Public Safety Minister. This change comes at a crucial time as Canada faces a Can$62 billion deficit, which is Can$22 billion higher than initially forecasted due to unexpected expenditures.
LeBlanc’s new role places him at the helm of managing Canada’s ongoing economic issues, including the threat of potential US tariffs, as the US remains Canada’s largest trading partner, absorbing 75% of its exports annually.
Dominic LeBlanc has held several prominent positions in Trudeau’s cabinet since the Liberal Party’s 2015 victory. Most recently, he played a key role in creating Canada’s billion-dollar border program designed to address US concerns on migration and narcotics. LeBlanc was also part of a key diplomatic mission with Trudeau to meet US President-elect Donald Trump in Florida last month, emphasizing his significant role in international relations. He will now lead the Canada-US cabinet committee, a position previously held by Freeland.
After his swearing-in ceremony at Rideau Hall, LeBlanc acknowledged the ongoing cost-of-living challenges Canadians face, emphasizing that the government must prioritize affordability issues.
Also Read: PM Modi, Justin Trudeau, Joe Biden Pose Together at G20 in Rio Amid India-Canada Tensions
Freeland’s resignation, prompted by disagreements with Trudeau over spending and the handling of US tariffs, has caused political upheaval. Her departure, just before presenting a fall economic update, left Canada’s Liberal government grappling with a deficit of C$61.9 billion, much higher than expected.
This crisis has raised questions about Trudeau’s leadership, with opposition parties threatening a vote of no confidence early next year unless Trudeau steps down. NDP House Leader Peter Julian warned that the opposition would unite against Trudeau in such a vote if he doesn’t resign.
