Cabinet shuffle: Couillard hopes fresh blood helps rejuvenate Liberals

Kathleen Weil is sworn in as Minister responsible for relations with Anglophones

In October 2017, Quebec Prime Minister Philip Quillard reorganised the cabinet to refresh the aging Liberal government in preparation for the 2018 election. Instead of a complete revamp, the shuffle was a tactical approach to respond to increasing political pressures and restore public trust.

Significant requests emerged from Quebec’s English-speaking community, advocating for better representation. Couillard has announced Kathleen Weil as the new minister in charge of his relationship with Anglophons. Some viewed this as a beneficial advancement, while others, such as former Equality Party head Robert Libman, dismissed it as a mere symbolic gesture intended to sway elections.

The cabinet overhaul included six fresh ministers, several of whom are younger officials from the national assembly. Importantly, 35-year-old Andre Fortin has been appointed Minister of Transport, a tough role in a complicated past. Isabel Melanson was recently appointed Minister of the Environment, and Marie Montpetitt took on the role of Minister of Culture and Communication, adding responsibility for the French Charter.

Former police officer Robert Poety resigned as newly appointed Minister of Public Expense Integrity, with several senior ministers still in key positions.

Couillard highlighted the strategy of mixing experiences with youth to tackle real topics, and critics were concerned about whether it was sufficient to meet voter demand for change.