Prime Minister Mark Carney introduced members of Canada’s new Ministry on May 13.
The Liberal party secured a minority government in the federal election held April 28.
New cabinet members and secretaries of State include:
- David J. McGuinty, Minister of National Defence
- Joël Lightbound, Minister of Government Transformation, Public Works and Procurement
- Maninder Sidhu, Minister of International Trade
- Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions
- Anita Anand, Minister of Foreign Affairs
- Jill McKnight, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence
- Evan Solomon, Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario
- Rebecca Chartrand, Minister of Northern and Arctic Affairs and Minister responsible for the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency
- Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Public Safety
- Stephen Fuhr, Secretary of State (Defence Procurement)
According to the CADSI New Government and Cabinet Primer, the Liberal election platform promises, specific to defence, include:
- Increased spending: An additional $30.9 billion in new defence spending over the next four years
- New equipment: Submarines and additional heavy icebreakers, Canadian-made airborne early warning and control aircraft, aerial and underwater drones, self-propelled artillery systems and ground-based air defence capabilities
- Procurement reform: A new central procurement agency, expanding risk-based approaches to approvals and advancing Canada’s involvement in the ReArm Europe Plan
- R&D: Expanding R&D by creating a new bureau (BOREALIS) to promote joint research and development in advanced technology, a new Canadian Sovereignty and Resilience Research Fund
- A new mandate: Creating a new mandate for the Canadian Coast Guard
The Liberal election platform also promises:
- Export supports: Establishing a $25 billion export credit facility, expanding the CanExport program with a focus beyond the U.S., and modernizing Canada’s Special Import Measures Act
- Regulatory Reform: Federal departments will conduct reviews to remove outdated or redundant rules, reduce duplication, and streamline regulatory decision-making
- Venture Capital Funding: Increasing the Venture Capital Catalyst Initiative (VCCI) by $1 billion, including a defence-focused stream to support early-stage defence companies
- Startup Investment: Introducing flow-through shares to bolster Canadian startups in AI, quantum computing, biotech, and advanced manufacturing—allowing investors to deduct eligible R&D expenses directly from taxable income
- Innovation Incentives: Launching a Canada Patent Box to encourage businesses to establish or remain in Canada.
- Corporate Tax Review: Evaluating the corporate tax system based on principles of fairness, transparency, simplicity, sustainability, and competitiveness.
- AI Adoption Credit: Implementing a new AI deployment tax credit for SMBs, enabling companies to claim a 20% credit on qualifying AI adoption projects
The new government is focused on fostering investment and building a resilient, high-performing Canadian economy – one that generates well-paying careers, boosts incomes, and stands strong against future challenges. In partnership with provinces, territories, and Indigenous Peoples, they will advance key nation-building initiatives, reinforcing the government’s core mission: to create one unified, thriving economy – the strongest among the G7 nations.
“Canada’s new Ministry is built to deliver the change Canadians want and deserve. Everyone is expected and empowered to show leadership – to bring new ideas, a clear focus, and decisive action to their work,” Rt. Hon. Mark Carney, Prime Minister of Canada stated in a press release.