OTTAWA — Yet another Trudeau-era cabinet minister is departing via a diplomatic appointment. On Thursday, the Prime Minister's Office announced that North Vancouver-Capilano MP Jonathan Wilkinson has been named Canada's ambassador to the European Union (EU).
Wilkinson's Political Career
Wilkinson will replace former federal Liberal leader and foreign minister Stephane Dion, who recently announced his retirement from public service. In a social media post announcing his new role, Wilkinson stated, "I take on this role for the same reason I entered public life: To serve Canada. Thank you for your trust, your candour, and your belief that we can always do better."
A press release from the PMO highlighted Wilkinson's extensive experience at the intersection of public policy, technology, and international economic engagement. During his tenure as MP for North Vancouver—Capilano, he served as Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, and Minister of Energy and Natural Resources. Elected in 2015 alongside Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Wilkinson entered cabinet in 2018 and continued in his role after Mark Carney succeeded Trudeau.
Byelection Triggered
Wilkinson's appointment requires him to resign his seat in the House of Commons, triggering a byelection in a riding that has been held by the Liberals since Wilkinson defeated two-term Conservative MP Andrew Saxton. The riding, aside from a period between 2004 and 2008, has reliably been held by Conservative, PC, Reform, or Alliance Party MPs. His departure reduces the Mark Carney Liberals' majority government to 172 seats, excluding the Speaker, maintaining a procedurally stable majority.
Trend of Diplomatic Appointments
Wilkinson is the third Trudeau-era cabinet minister to receive a diplomatic appointment since November, following former Justice minister David Lametti's appointment as ambassador to the United Nations and former Defence and Public Safety minister Bill Blair's role as high commissioner to the United Kingdom. Nine Trudeau-era ministers remain in Carney's cabinet, including Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Dominic LeBlanc, Industry Minister Melanie Joly, Finance Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne, and Foreign Minister Anita Anand.
