Newly elected Prime Minister Mark Carney’s new cabinet was sworn in Tuesday morning in Rideau Hall, with Mélanie Joly becoming Minister of Industry and Steven Guilbeault staying in his role as Minister of Canadian Culture and Identity.
A one-time Minister of Canadian Heritage from Nov. 2015 to July 2018 in former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s first cabinet, Joly most recently served as Minister of Foreign Affairs under both Carney and Trudeau. In addition to her new industry minister role, Joly is also Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions. Her new appointment marks a name change to the Industry portfolio, which previously was called Innovation, Science and Industry.
Anita Anand, who had been appointed Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry in Carney’s first cabinet in March, has been moved into the role of Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Guilbeault had previously moved to his current position as Minister of Canadian Culture and Identity in Carney’s first cabinet, having formerly served as environment minister from Oct. 2021 to March 2025 and as Minister of Canadian Heritage from Nov. 2019 to Oct. 2021. He is now also Minister responsible for Official Languages.
Media production industry organizations Canadian Media Producers Association (CMPA) and Association québécoise de la production médiatique (AQPM) both welcomed the news of Guilbeault’s continued role as Culture minister.
“A passionate advocate for Canada’s independent film and television production sector, his previous tenure as Minister of Canadian Heritage demonstrated his steadfast support for the sector,” said Reynolds Mastin, president and CEO of the CMPA, in a statement. “Minister Guilbeault’s strong voice at the cabinet table will be especially critical in the months ahead. It has never been more important for Canada’s government to stand up for our national culture and identity, particularly in the face of President Donald Trump’s unjustified trade threats and attacks on our sovereignty.
“We look forward to partnering with the Minister as he and the government follow through on campaign commitments to support Canada’s media production sector. This includes strengthening CBC/Radio-Canada, increasing funding to the Canada Media Fund and Telefilm Canada, and standing firm in defence of our national cultural sovereignty in future trade negotiations with the United States,” Mastin added.
The AQPM said in a press release it looked forward to continuing to work with Minister Guilbeault “to ensure the sustainability of the audiovisual industry and its defence against tariff threats”.
“Once again, the Minister’s knowledge of the cultural sector and his mastery of the issues are undeniable assets at a time when achievements are weakened and even threatened,” Hélène Messier, president and CEO of the AQPM, said in a statement. “The audiovisual industry is currently going through a turbulent period where uncertainty is raising fears for its future. It is more important than ever to preserve our cultural sovereignty and ensure that regulatory policies are truly protective of our industry.
“We must also work quickly to ensure that adequate and sustainable funding is provided to Telefilm Canada, the Canada Media Fund and CBC/Radio-Canada to support strong and diversified national production. Mr. Guilbeault’s experience and determination will be undeniable assets in achieving these objectives,” Messier said.
François-Philippe Champagne, familiar to Cartt readers as a former Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry in the Trudeau government, is retaining his role as Minister of Finance in Carney’s second cabinet with additional responsibility for National Revenue.
Former broadcaster and rookie Member of Parliament Evan Solomon has been appointed to the newly created role of Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation. He is also Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario.
In addition to Joly and Solomon, several other ministers in Carney’s new cabinet have been given responsibilities for economic development in specific regions, including Atlantic Canada, Northern Ontario, the Prairies, the Pacific region, and Northern Canada.
In total, the new cabinet consists of 28 ministers (14 men and 14 women) and 10 secretaries of state (the latter being non-departmental roles with responsibilities ranging from rural development to international development to labour).
Twenty-four members of the new cabinet are making their debuts in cabinet roles, and 13 of them are first-time MPs.
Photos of (l-r) Mélanie Joly and Steven Guilbeault borrowed from the Government of Canada’s website
