Chrystia Freeland to be new finance minister as PM prepares to prorogue

Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland will be Canada’s next finance minister.

Multiple sources confirm to The Canadian Press that Freeland will remain as deputy prime minister.

Bill Morneau announced that he was leaving the post Monday, following speculation about a growing rift between him and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

Both Morneau and Trudeau are embroiled in ethical investigations for not recusing themselves from a decision to award a large student grant contract to WE Charity.

Both have close ties to the organization.

• Parliamentary investigations into WE Charity scandal

The Trudeau government is also planning a cabinet retreat in mid-September with the intention of proroguing Parliament and presenting a throne speech in early October.