What this means for Carney’s Cabinet and the future of the Liberal Party
London, Ont. – London MP Arielle Kayabaga was appointed as House Leader and Minister of Democratic Institutions on Thursday under new Prime Minister Mark Carney’s cabinet. But the timing of Kayabaga’s appointment raises some questions about the implications for this role and the future of Carney’s leadership, according to some academics.
As House Leader, Kayabaga is in charge of the House’s day-to-day business in the House of Commons. She’s expected to guide the legislative agenda, facilitate negotiations amongst all parties and argue points of order before the Speaker of the House. But with Parliament in recess, the focus shifts on to how she can fulfill these duties without an active sitting body.
Skye Williams, special assistant to Kayabaga’s office, says: “Kayabaga’s overarching goal is to strength the openness and fairness of Canada’s public institutions.”
Kayabaga has been an active member of parliament since 2021. As the first black woman to serve in London’s city council, her focus throughout her career has been on homelessness prevention, civic engagement and representing marginalized voices within the London community. Having worked through COVID, she had plans on running for re-election before being tapped to join Carney’s cabinet.
But some academics are a bit more skeptical about her appointment. Dr. Zack Taylor, an associate political science professor at Western University, says, “Carney isn’t going to meet Parliament before the election. So to be a House Leader for a Parliament that doesn’t meet is basically a meaningless position.”
Former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s Liberal Party was on shaky grounds before Carney replaced him. Where before it seemed that Conservative Leader Pierre Poillievre had a straight shot to the PM position, Carney’s victory has given the Liberal Party an edge that seems to be tipping the scales of public opinion back in their favour. Earlier today, Angus Reid shared data on how the Liberals are now leading.
Carney is gaining traction after cutting the carbon tax, a previous sore point for Trudeau’s party. Soon after entering office, Carney downsized his cabinet, removing some former cabinet members and adding fresh faces, Kayabaga included.
“We’ll just have to see where things go,” Taylor says. “We’re in a very interesting, fluid situation where anything is possible.”
Newly minted and under the spotlight, Kayabaga is stepping into a political role that could make or break her career. The public will be watching closely to see how she navigates the coming months.