The intention had been telegraphed on June 27, just a few days before the launch of a by-election that was already lost. Seventy-five days later, after much speculation, twists and turns, and paralysis within the government machinery, François Legault finally unveils the composition of his new cabinet.
Ironically, this cabinet shuffle, constantly announced and then postponed, illustrates the difficulty of the Legault government in regaining control of the agenda. Seeking to relaunch his government and his political party, which could completely disappear from the electoral map according to poll aggregators, François Legault is going all in a major cabinet shuffle—the most important since the CAQ came to power. The operation is far from cosmetic and sweeps up several of the government’s heavyweights, including Geneviève Guilbault (Municipal Affairs), Bernard Drainville (Environment), Sonia LeBel (Education), and Jonatan Julien (Transport).
Eleven ministers retain the same responsibilities, twelve change portfolios, and four members of parliament join the cabinet. For now, the desire for change spares the top of the pyramid, including Christian Dubé (Health), Éric Girard (Finance), and Christine Fréchette (Economy and Energy), who keep their posts.
The work of the Gallant Commission has certainly influenced some choices: Geneviève Guilbault loses her title as Deputy Premier and Minister of Transport, while François Bonnardel, an member of provincial Parliament since 2007, is outright excluded from the cabinet.
The cabinet, which previously had 29 seats, now has 28. Gender parity regresses: 16 men and 12 women.
This game of musical chairs for a faltering government closely resembles that of Justin Trudeau, who, last year, shuffled his inner circle of ministers in hopes of giving himself new momentum. We know the mixed effect this reshuffling had on the popularity of the Trudeau government. It took Justin Trudeau’s resignation and Mark Carney’s coronation as party leader for the federal Liberals to be re-elected for a fourth mandate.
But back to Quebec. This redeployment of the ministerial team serves as a launch pad for a pre-election year. It is the first step in an operation to win back the electorate, followed by an opening speech at the end of the month to announce new priorities and a renewed legislative agenda. The government hopes to move the needle before the holiday break.
It will be interesting to observe the effect this shuffle will have on the mood of both the population and the caucus. With the resignation last week of Minister Andrée Laforest, who left to run for mayor of Saguenay, the demotions of François Bonnardel and Maïté Blanchette-Vézina, and the expulsion of MP Pierre Dufour, the last thing François Legault needs is the triggering of by-elections.
What this shuffle means for you
- Having arrived at Economy and Energy a year ago, Christine Fréchette remains in office. Her departure would have been surprising. To show his appreciation, François Legault crowns her with the title of Deputy Premier but relieves her of her responsibility for the Metropolis, handing it over to X.
- Simon Jolin-Barrette remains a key player as House Leader, Minister of Justice, and Minister of Canadian Relations. He will also oversee the Quebec Constitution file.
- At Natural Resources and Forests, Maïté Blanchette-Vézina leaves the cabinet and is replaced by MP Jean-François Simard, who makes a grand entrance, while also taking on political responsibility for the Capitale-Nationale.
- In Health, the Premier is betting on stability. A loyal soldier, Christian Dubé – who will leave political life at the end of the current mandate – remains the trusted man to lead the transformation of the network and oversee the launch of Santé Québec.
- Éric Girard’s wish has been granted; he remains the chief steward of public finances.
- Newcomer to the Treasury Board: France-Élaine Duranceau rises in rank and succeeds Sonia LeBel with the mandate to control public spending. The Infrastructure file now falls to Benoit Charette, while Housing is entrusted to Sonia Bélanger.
- A predictable departure for Geneviève Guilbault from Transport, who lands in Municipal Affairs. Despite her communication skills, Ms. Guilbault had a stormy mandate with the SAAQ tribulations, her difficult appearance before the Gallant Commission, the shelving of the third link, and then its resurrection. Her colleague, Jonatan Julien, replaces her.
- The wind of change also blows through Education and Higher Education. Sonia LeBel and Martin Biron become the new ministers. Pascale Déry becomes Minister of Employment.
- A surprise at Environment, where Bernard Drainville enters the scene with the mandate to increase efficiency in this highly bureaucratic ministry.
- Gilles Bélanger retains Cybersecurity and Digital. His departure would have been surprising, given that he had succeeded Éric Caire last February, in the midst of turmoil.
- Responsibility for Relations with First Nations and Inuit still falls to Ian Lafrenière. The ex-police officer will also occupy a tailor-made position: Minister of Public Security.
- Five fresh faces around the table: Amélie Dionne (Tourism), Donald Martel (Agriculture), Éric Girard (Regional Economic Development), and Samuel Poulin (Delegate for Economy and Youth).
- Other ministers change portfolios: Kateri Champagne-Jourdain (Family), Caroline Proulx (Seniors), and Christopher Skeete (International Relations). Meanwhile, stability prevails for Jean Boulet (Labour), Jean-François Roberge (Immigration and French Language), Mathieu Lacombe (Culture), Lionel Carmant (Social Services), Isabelle Charest (Leisure and Sports), and Chantal Rouleau (Social Solidarity and Community Action).
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