MarkMakenzie's Cabinet Sworn In, Eyes Turn to State Opening

In a ceremony held at Rideau Hall last night, MarkMakenzie and his cabinet were officially sworn in, marking the beginning of the Liberal minority government. The newly appointed ministers released statements outlining their priorities as they prepare to lead a divided Parliament into 2025.

Newly Sworn-in Cabinet at Rideau Hall 12/17/2024

MarkMakenzie, now Canada’s 84th Prime Minister, emphasized the importance of bipartisan cooperation and a renewed focus on civil service independence, Canada’s global standing, and economic reforms. In his statement, he called for unity and pledged to pursue policies aimed at creating a “stable and prosperous future for all Canadians.”

Deputy Prime Minister PolyIsaac, who also serves as Minister of Public Safety and Preparedness, reaffirmed his commitment to national safety and cooperation with Parliament to improve the well-being of all Canadians. His dual roles position him as a key figure in ensuring security while bridging divides in a contentious House of Commons.

Josif Markovic, the new Minister of Finance, announced a comprehensive “Fix, Expand, Develop” scheme to address economic challenges, media growth, and private sector development. He highlighted the urgency of crafting a federal budget to guide the remainder of FY2024, signalling the government’s intention to hit the ground running.

Foreign Affairs Minister p_otatos reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to its global alliances and the UN Peacekeeping program. He promised to expand Canada’s diplomatic corps and military collaborations, ensuring a robust defense and foreign policy agenda.

The swearing-in ceremony took a unique turn as five of the six Conservative MPs attended—an unusual move for opposition members. Their presence signals that all eyes are on the upcoming State Opening of Parliament, where the government’s throne speech will set the tone for its legislative agenda.

With the Liberals leading a minority government, the pressure is on to craft a throne speech that appeals to opposition parties. The Conservatives, now led by Coolrhorace, and the NDP have significant leverage in this hung Parliament, and their support—or lack thereof—will determine whether the Liberals can govern effectively.

The State Opening, expected next week, will be a critical moment for MarkMakenzie’s government. With the Conservatives and NDP having already demonstrated their growing strength in the recent election, the Liberal government will need to navigate a politically charged environment to secure the confidence of the House.

As Canadians look to the future, the question remains: Can MarkMakenzie’s Liberals deliver in a divided Parliament, or will the opposition push for alternative leadership? One thing is certain—the start of 2025 promises to be politically dynamic. ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ PolyKeith | President of the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation

CBC News - Rideau Hall