OTTAWA – The federal Liberals have appointed Steven MacKinnon as the new minister for labour and seniors, with the Gatineau, Que., MP taking over from outgoing minister Seamus O’Regan. MacKinnon, who most recently served as government House leader, was sworn in at Rideau Hall on Friday morning alongside Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Gov. Gen. Mary Simon.

O’Regan announced his resignation from cabinet for family reasons, but will continue to serve as a Newfoundland MP until the next federal election. MacKinnon had previously joined cabinet in January to replace government House leader Karina Gould while she was on maternity leave.

In his previous roles, MacKinnon has demonstrated a strong ability to build consensus and work with partners to pass legislation. According to a news release from the Prime Minister’s Office, MacKinnon has played a key role in advancing progress on health care, affordable housing, organized labour, and climate action.

Before becoming labour minister, MacKinnon served as the Liberals’ chief whip in the House of Commons and as a parliamentary secretary in the procurement portfolio during the COVID-19 pandemic. He was initially elected in the 2015 election that saw Trudeau’s Liberals come into power.

The full cabinet is set to convene for a virtual meeting for the first time since the Liberals’ unexpected loss in a Toronto byelection last month. Minister Gould will resume her previous role when she returns at the end of July.

Overall, MacKinnon’s appointment brings experience and expertise in navigating legislative processes and working towards key policy priorities. As the new minister for labour and seniors, he is positioned to continue contributing to the government’s agenda in important areas such as health care, affordable housing, labor rights, and climate action.

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