Prime Minister Mark Carney has appointed former Immigration Minister Marc Miller to a new cabinet role, filling the vacancy left by Steven Guilbeault's high-profile resignation last week. Guilbeault stepped down in protest of the federal government's energy agreement with Alberta.
A Resignation Over Energy Policy
Steven Guilbeault, a former Greenpeace activist, departed his post after the Carney government endorsed a new oil pipeline from Alberta and retreated from several key environmental policies he helped develop. Guilbeault had served as environment minister under former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau for four years, starting in 2021.
His resignation highlighted a significant policy shift since Carney took office in March. The government has repealed consumer carbon pricing, delayed a zero-emission vehicle mandate, and plans to scrap the oil and gas sector emissions cap. The deal with Alberta also suspends clean electricity regulations in the province in exchange for a stronger industrial carbon pricing commitment.
Miller's Return and Portfolio Redistribution
Marc Miller, who served as immigration minister under Justin Trudeau from 2023 to 2025, will now take on the culture and official languages portfolio. Miller had been left out of cabinet following Carney's election victory in April, making this a return to the front benches.
Prime Minister Carney also redistributed Guilbeault's other responsibilities. Public Works Minister Joel Lightbound has been named the new chief adviser on Quebec issues, while Environment Minister Julie Dabrusin has added the nature portfolio to her duties.
Timing and Potential for Further Changes
Monday's announcement constitutes a minor cabinet adjustment. Canada's Parliament is scheduled to begin its winter break on December 12 and will not resume sitting until January 26. This extended recess provides the prime minister with a potential window to consider more substantial ministerial changes.
Guilbeault is the second minister to leave Carney's cabinet since it was named in May. In September, Chrystia Freeland resigned her posts as transport and internal trade minister to become Canada's special representative for the reconstruction of Ukraine. Her former duties were divided between Steven MacKinnon and Dominic LeBlanc.
