Prime Minister Justin Trudeau reshuffled his cabinet Wednesday, replacing his procurement minister with his Ontario economic development minister.
Filomena Tassi was transferred from the position of Minister of Public Services and Procurement and moved to the new position of Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency of Southern Ontario.
In a statement, Tassi said last year, her husband suffered two strokes and her move came after he asked for a lighter workload.
“I met with the Prime Minister last month to discuss balancing my family’s needs with the travel demands placed on me as Minister for Public Services and Procurement, a department with operations in every corner this country,” he said.
“I want to thank the prime minister for raising my situation as a challenge to be addressed and resolved, rather than as a choice between family or public service,” he added.
Tassi’s role in the acquisition is Helena Jaczek, who moved from her role in Ontario.
In his new role, Jaczek will be responsible for overseeing the purchase of vaccines and personal protective equipment that have been critical to fighting COVID-19 over the past two years.
Jaczek, a physician who practiced medicine at Women’s College Hospital in Toronto, previously served as Ontario’s Minister of Health and Long-Term Care, Chair of Cabinet and Minister of Social and Community Services.
Before entering politics, she served for 18 years as Medical Officer of Health and Health Services Commissioner for the Regional Municipality of York.
A small change, not a reset
Trudeau was asked why he didn’t make broader changes to his cabinet, specifically the ministers responsible for overseeing transportation and issuing passports, after months of backlogs and chaos in those areas.
“It’s been less than a year since the last election and our government is working very hard every day to support Canadians and provide the support they need,” he said.
“We’ve seen over the last few months real challenges here in Canada and around the world, and our government is focused and working every day to be there to support Canadians at this difficult time, and that’s the hard work we’re doing .will continue to do.
Trudeau also said his government is willing to provide additional financial assistance to Canadians struggling with the rising cost of living, but is looking for ways to do so without contributing to inflation.
“Many people have jobs, but there are still real challenges … and we will continue to do whatever is necessary to support vulnerable Canadians as we move forward,” he said.