Political analyst expects “continuity” in PM Carney’s new cabinet

Prime Minister Mark Carney will announce his new cabinet Tuesday, with expectations that the team will be “lean and efficient.”

The swearing-in ceremony will go down at Rideau Hall in Ottawa at 10:30 a.m.

While there are no official details yet on what type of cabinet is expected to be revealed, some political strategists are suggesting a crop of fresh faces.

Right after his win in the Liberal leadership race in March, Carney’s first Cabinet was much smaller compared to his predecessor Justin Trudeau.

The former prime minister’s cabinet had ballooned to 40 ministers before he left office, while Carney installed only 23.

READ MORE: Canada’s 24th Prime Minister Mark Carney reveals new, smaller cabinet

Carney has said he aims to have a more “efficient” cabinet, one with parity when it comes to gender.

There is a belief that Canadians can expect representation across all regions of Canada.

Given the economic and trade crises tied to the United States, big questions remain on which previous ministers will make the cut.

“You’re asking for trouble if you put in rookies in those roles, in places of finance,” said Drew Fagan, a senior advisor at the public affairs firm McMillan Vantage Policy Group. “So, look for continuity in regards to someone like Champagne, who is well respected.”

“Watch for continuity when it comes to Leblanc, in trade, which obviously is a key aspect – the key aspect – when it comes to negotiations with the United States, but he also has intergovernmental affairs,” said Fagan.

“You’ll need someone good enough to help build that interprovincial trade and unlock those barriers, and really creating a free-trade zone within the country,” said Fagan.

The Liberal government is going ahead with a new cabinet Tuesday, despite some recounts following last month’s federal election.

The Liberals currently hold 170 seats, two shy from a majority government.

Three recounts still need to be completed, including the riding of Milton East-Halton Hills South, where Liberal Candidate Kristine Tesser Derksen is ahead of Conservative Parm Gill by less than 30 votes.

That recount begins Tuesday as well.

READ MORE: Prime Minister Mark Carney set to unveil new cabinet Tuesday