I offer my sincere congratulations to all members of parliament who have been appointed to cabinet by Prime Minister Carney today. I look forward to forging positive relationships that support the wellbeing of people in Winnipeg Centre and all across Canada.
I am particularly pleased about the reinstatement of a Minister of Women and Gender Equality. I extend my deepest gratitude to the women and gender equity organizations across Canada that pushed tirelessly to force the Liberal government to restore this cabinet position after it was dissolved in Prime Minister Carney’s previous Cabinet. At a time when women, trans, and gender-diverse people are being targeted by regressive policies and extremist violence, we must be firm and unwavering in our commitment to justice, liberty, and equity for all people.
I am disappointed and concerned about the failure of the Liberal government to appoint ministers devoted to seniors, diversity, equity and inclusion, disability, youth, and labour. People across Canada, particularly those who have been historically marginalized by systems, require representation and protection. This includes workers’ whose Charter right to strike was consistently violated by the Liberal government during the previous parliamentary session. Prime Minister Carney’s decision to downgrade representation of labour in his cabinet is further proof that he is no friend to workers.
The Liberals must stop embracing this non-inclusionary and anti-labour agenda, shown in their abandonment of seniors, youth, people with disabilities, and workers among cabinet appointments. I remain committed to working with parliamentarians across party lines to ensure that these groups do not remain underrepresented.