Ottawa-Vanier MP Mona Fortier has been named chief of staff, becoming the latest figure in a major shake-up of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s cabinet.
The Prime Minister’s Office made the announcement on Saturday. Mr. Fortier will replace Ruby Sahota, who has been appointed Minister of Democratic Institutions and Minister of Economic Development for Southern Ontario in the new cabinet.
Among other things, the chief whip monitors attendance in the House, organizes speaker lists for debates, allocates MPs’ offices, and makes sure the caucus is ready for a vote.
“Mona Fortier is an experienced leader with a keen understanding of the issues that matter most to Canadians and the values that guide our work in service to Canadians. , building a better Canada for everyone,” Prime Minister Trudeau said in a news release.
Mr. Fortier was first elected in 2017, has been re-elected twice, and has held several cabinet positions.
She previously served as Chair of the Treasury Board, Minister for Middle Class Prosperity, and Deputy Minister of Finance. She had been deputy whip since January.
Fortier previously served as chief director of communications at College La Cité and ran his own strategic communications consulting firm.
Ottawa South MP David McGuinty was also appointed this week as public safety minister in Trudeau’s new cabinet. McGuinty was first elected in 2004 and has been elected six times.
Mr. McGuinty most recently served as chairman of the Congressional National Security and Intelligence Committee.
Changes to Prime Minister Trudeau’s cabinet list A turbulent week for the federal Liberal Party. The prime minister was dealt a major blow on Monday with the resignation of former finance minister Chrystia Freeland.
The loss of the deputy prime minister and the chaotic rollout of the government’s autumn economic statement have reignited questions about the viability of the embattled prime minister’s continued leadership.
With files from CTV National News
