Steven MacKinnon has been sworn in as Canada’s new Minister of Jobs and Families, marking a shift in his portfolio — at least in title, if not in function — under Prime Minister Mark Carney’s newly formed cabinet.
MacKinnon, who previously served as Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour under former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, took the oath at Rideau Hall in a ceremony presided over by Governor General Mary Simon.
The new cabinet, unveiled as the 30th Canadian Ministry, emphasizes a streamlined approach aimed at addressing immediate economic and social issues.
Prime Minister Carney said the cabinet was designed to act swiftly on critical issues, including strengthening Canada’s economy, safeguarding employment, and providing enhanced support to Canadian families.
“This team is built for immediate action and focused on protecting Canadian workers, supporting their families, and growing this great country,” said Carney. “We are changing how things work, so our government can deliver to Canadians faster.”
MacKinnon, who has represented the riding of Gatineau since 2015, brings extensive experience in public affairs, having previously worked as a senior vice-president at a global public affairs consultancy. Before his parliamentary career, MacKinnon served as a political advisor to former New Brunswick Premier Frank McKenna and former Prime Minister Paul Martin.
He was appointed Chief Government Whip in 2021 and joined cabinet fully in July 2024. MacKinnon also briefly considered entering the Liberal leadership race earlier this year following Trudeau’s resignation but instead endorsed Carney’s candidacy.
The newly named Ministry of Jobs and Families replaces MacKinnon’s previous portfolio, reflecting Carney’s focus on family economic security and employment amid challenges posed by trade tensions and affordability concerns across the country.
The cabinet consists of 23 ministers tasked with responding quickly to key national priorities, including economic resilience, trade relations, and improving family supports.
Full cabinet
The new Cabinet is as follows:
- Mark Carney, Prime Minister
- Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of International Trade and Intergovernmental Affairs and President of the King’s Privy Council for Canada
- Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Development
- François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Finance
- Anita Anand, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry
- Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence
- Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services
- Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources
- Ginette Petitpas Taylor, President of the Treasury Board
- Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Canadian Culture and Identity, Parks Canada and Quebec Lieutenant
- Chrystia Freeland, Minister of Transport and Internal Trade
- Kamal Khera, Minister of Health
- Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada and Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs
- Rechie Valdez, Chief Government Whip
- Steven MacKinnon, Minister of Jobs and Families
- David J. McGuinty, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness
- Terry Duguid, Minister of Environment and Climate Change
- Nate Erskine-Smith, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities
- Rachel Bendayan, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship
- Élisabeth Brière, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Minister responsible for the Canada Revenue Agency
- Joanne Thompson, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard
- Arielle Kayabaga, Leader of the Government in the House of Commons and Minister of Democratic Institutions
- Kody Blois, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and Rural Economic Development
- Ali Ehsassi, Minister of Government Transformation, Public Services and Procurement
