Prime Minister Mark Carney’s New Cabinet Sparks Debate Over Alberta’s Representation
Prime Minister Mark Carney made headlines on Friday as he was sworn in as Canada’s 24th Prime Minister at a ceremony held at Rideau Hall in Ottawa. Carney’s newly-formed cabinet, which includes 24 ministers, marks a significant reduction from the 39 ministers who served under former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. However, the trimmed-down cabinet has raised eyebrows, particularly in Alberta, where no Liberal representatives from the province were appointed to the new government. Despite Alberta having two Liberal Members of Parliament—Randy Boissonnault (Edmonton-Centre) and George Chahal (Calgary-Skyview)—neither was included in the cabinet, sparking concerns about the province’s representation in the federal government.
The Absence of Alberta Representation: A Snub or a Strategic Move?
The exclusion of Alberta from the cabinet has been met with disappointment and skepticism. Colin Aitchison, Western Canada director at Enterprise Canada and a former staffer with the United Conservative Party, suggested that while the exclusion may not have been intentional, it could be perceived as a snub. "Cabinets do signal a prime minister’s intentions, and I don’t think Alberta was intentionally snubbed, but I think a lot of people will feel they were snubbed," Aitchison said. He pointed out that the cabinet’s focus appears to be on central Canada, particularly the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), Toronto, and Quebec, which could send a unintended signal about the government’s priorities. The only minister west of Winnipeg is Energy and National Resources Minister Jonathan Wilkinson, who represents North Vancouver.
Carney Defends the Cabinet Composition Amid Criticism
When questioned about the lack of Alberta representation, Prime Minister Carney defended the cabinet’s composition, attributing the absence of Alberta ministers to the condensed size of the cabinet. "It’s a factor when you reduce things down, but I’m Prime Minister of all of Canada, of course, and I’m from the west," Carney said. He emphasized that the smaller cabinet reflects the country’s current challenges and priorities, particularly amid a trade war with the United States. Carney also highlighted the pan-Canadian nature of the cabinet, pointing out that some ministers, like Chrystia Freeland, have strong ties to Alberta despite being based in Toronto. However, this explanation has done little to alleviate concerns in Alberta, where many feel overlooked in the federal government’s decision-making process.
Scandal and Controversy Surrounding Alberta’s Liberal MPs
The exclusion of Alberta’s Liberal MPs from the cabinet may also be linked to past controversies. Randy Boissonnault, who previously served in cabinet, was removed from his position due to allegations of misrepresenting his Indigenous heritage and improperly securing grants. Similarly, George Chahal faced criticism during the election campaign when a video surfaced showing him tampering with Conservative Party flyers. Political scientist Duane Bratt of Mount Royal University suggested that these scandals may have influenced Carney’s decision, making it difficult to include either MP in the new cabinet. "Randy Boissonault had been in cabinet, was removed from cabinet because of claiming Indigenous status and getting company grants based on that," Bratt said. "George Chahal had video surfaced in the election campaign of him pulling flyers of the Conservatives, that hurt him. Let’s see what happens after the election if Carney wins."
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith Calls for a Federal Election
The lack of Alberta representation in Carney’s cabinet has also drawn criticism from Alberta Premier Danielle Smith. Speaking at a press conference in Calgary, Smith expressed her concern that the new federal government’s cabinet includes many ministers who were responsible for Liberal policies that she believes have harmed Alberta’s economy. She reiterated her call for a federal election, arguing that the current government’s approach does not signal a reset in the relationship between Ottawa and Alberta. "I haven’t seen any change to be encouraged that we’re going to have a reset on our relationship," Smith said. "So we need an election and that’s how it needs to get sorted out." In a statement released on Friday, Smith listed nine Liberal policies she wants to see condemned by the new prime minister, following the repeal of the consumer carbon tax.
A Caretaker Cabinet Amid a Trade Crisis and Election Speculation
While Premier Smith and other critics argue that the current cabinet does not represent Alberta’s interests, political experts suggest that the condensed cabinet may be a temporary arrangement. "This is really a caretaker cabinet pending the election outcome," said Duane Bratt. "But it’s not a normal caretaker cabinet because we’re in the middle of a trade crisis." Carney hinted that an election call will be made before November, and many experts predict that the writ will be dropped in the coming weeks. In the meantime, the debate over Alberta’s representation in Ottawa is likely to remain a contentious issue, reflecting broader tensions between the federal government and the province. As the country navigates economic challenges and a trade war with the United States, the question of how Alberta fits into Prime Minister Carney’s vision for Canada will continue to be a focal point of political discussion.
