Justin Trudeau to ‘reset’ after Canadian parliament shutdown

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau suspended parliament for a month after tapping Chrystia Freeland to be Canada’s first ­female Finance Minister.

Canadian Deputy Prime Minister and new Finance Minister, Chrystia Freeland, with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in Ottawa. Picture: AFP

rime Minister Justin Trudeau suspended parliament for a month after tapping Chrystia Freeland to be Canada’s first ­female Finance Minister.

As an ethics scandal that clipped her predecessor’s wings reverberates through the government, Ms Freeland received a standing ovation after being sworn in at a small ceremony in Ottawa on Wednesday AEST.

Mr Trudeau suspended parliament until September 23, when his minority government will lay out a new direction and test its support as it confronts the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

“We do not want an election,” Mr Trudeau said, “but it’s obvious that the Throne Speech we gave eight months ago (outlining the government’s agenda) is no longer relevant for the reality that Canadians are living and that our government is facing.

“We need to reset the ­approach of this government to build back better,” he said, “and we need to present that to parliament and gain the confidence of parliament to move forward on this ambitious plan.”

Ms Freeland, 52, has held key posts in the Liberal government including Deputy Prime Minister and foreign minister.

The temporary shutdown of parliament effectively ends committee inquiries into the WE Charity scandal dogging the Liberals.

AFP