OTTAWA — The newly-named leader of the federal Liberal Party will be sworn in as Canada’s 24th prime minister today.
Mark Carney, who easily won the federal leadership race on Sunday, will be sworn in by Governor General Mary Simon in a ceremony at Rideau Hall at 11 a.m. Friday.
After signing the oath book, Carney will participate in the swearing-in of his new cabinet — one that promises to be far leaner than even the smallest cabinets of his predecessor, Justin Trudeau.
Later on Friday, the newly-installed PM will chair his first cabinet meeting at 2 p.m.
While press conferences are scheduled after both the ceremony and the cabinet meeting, members of the Parliamentary Press Gallery are hoping Carney will take questions from reporters — something he hasn’t done in nearly a week.
Rumours have swirled around Parliament Hill this week about Carney’s incoming cabinet, including rumours and whispers of promotions, demotions and conspicuous absences.
Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly is expected to keep her job, as is Francois-Philippe Champagne as Industry Minister, as well as Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc and Public Safety Minister David McGuinty.
Environment Minister Stephen Guilbeault is rumoured to be moving to Quebec Lieutenant and a new hybrid portfolio that includes heritage and biodiversity.
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Marc Miller and Jean-Yves Duclos are also rumoured to be out of cabinet, along with Ginette Petitpas Taylor and fellow leadership contender Karina Gould.
Most speculate Carney’s cabinet will be between 15 to 20 members — Trudeau cabinets normally ranged between 30 and 40 ministers.
The last PM who had a cabinet that small was under Louis St-Laurent, whose 1956 cabinet consisted of 19 ministers.
Pierre Trudeau was the first PM whose cabinet exceeded 30 ministers in 1970.
The ceremony begins at 11 a.m.
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