Mark Carney was officially sworn in as Canada’s 24th Prime Minister on Friday, March 14, 2025, following his resounding victory in the Liberal leadership race announced four days earlier. This event marked not just the dawn of Carney’s leadership, but also set the stage for significant cabinet reshuffles, particularly around the pivotal role of immigration.
Among the notable changes, Rachel Bendayan has taken over as Canada’s new Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), succeeding Marc Miller, who had implemented various notable changes to the immigration system during his tenure. Bendayan, the Member of Parliament for Outremont, Quebec, previously served as the Minister of Official Languages and is recognized for her commitment to public service since joining Canadian politics.
Born to a Moroccan-Jewish family and raised in Quebec, Bendayan has continuously championed diversity and inclusion throughout her career. She holds degrees from McGill University, which solidify her expertise in both civil law and international development. With this legal and political background, Bendayan is expected to adopt policies aimed at creating a monumental shift within Canada's immigration framework.
Matthew McDonald, a Canadian immigration lawyer, expressed cautious optimism about Bendayan taking the helm. “My hope is Minister Rachel Bendayan will bring a more positive spirit to the country’s immigration conversation,” he shared with The PIE News, highlighting concerns over perceptions of Canada becoming less welcoming under Miller's immigration policies. During Miller's term, Canada had seen significant reductions in both temporary and permanent immigration levels—a response many attributed to the housing and economic crises:
- Limits on study and work permits: New caps were put on international student enrollments alongside stricter regulations for work permits.
- Permanent resident reductions: Immigration targets reverted to pre-pandemic levels, raising concerns among immigrant communities.
- Changes to Express Entry system: Revisions were made to the occupation categories impacting prospective permanent residents.
- Temporary foreign worker program cuts: Reliance on temporary foreign labor was reduced considerably, aligning with the government’s economic strategies.
Bendayan’s swearing-in marks her as one of 11 women among Carney’s 24-member cabinet, signaling a conscious effort to infuse diversity and fresh perspectives. Following her appointment, Carney underscored commitments to improving government responsiveness. “We are changing how things work, so our government can deliver to Canadians faster,” he stated, emphasizing the unity within his cabinet as they begin their joint efforts to address pressing national challenges.
During his tenure, Marc Miller attracted criticism for implementing sudden policy changes affecting students and workers, often announcing them on Friday afternoons when traditional news cycles are lighter. Critics position these tactics as indicative of broader government strategies perceived to sidestep rigorous public consultation.
The political backdrop of this cabinet reshuffle is tense, fueled by rising anti-immigration sentiment across the country. McDonald noted, “Bendayan has the opportunity to seize this existential moment for Canada and reinforce our identity as a nation built on immigration.”
While Bendayan's appointment positions her to redefine immigration policy, observers are watching closely to see if Carney’s government continues the restrictive policies established under Miller. Carney has hinted at prioritizing existing residents for permanent residency and reducing the number of temporary foreign workers. “Under the current immigration levels plan, we aim to reduce temporary residents, including international students, to 5% of the total population by 2027,” he articulated, though specifics on future strategies remain unclear.
Externally, Canada’s relations with the U.S., particularly under the scrutiny of Donald Trump's trade measures, create additional pressure on the new administration to refresh both its domestic and foreign policies—especially concerning sectors reliant on skilled labor from abroad.
Beyond immigration, Carney's cabinet reshuffle saw other familiar names emerge, including François-Philippe Champagne as the finance minister and Dominic LeBlanc assuming the role of international trade minister. LeBlanc retains his previous duties as intergovernmental affairs minister, continuing the tradition of linking economic strategies closely with provincial concerns.
Despite some familiar faces, Carney's cabinet is also markedly slimmer than Trudeau's, which comprised 37 ministers. The exclusion of individuals like Steven Guilbeault, who shifted to minister of Canadian culture and identity, sparked conversations around regional representation. Critics including Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-François Blanchet expressed concerns about the diminishing presence of Quebecers within the cabinet. He described the situation as potentially alienative, arguing it limits the government’s connection with Quebec’s diverse needs: “They no longer have a voice,” he lamented. This sentiment resonates particularly within Quebec City and its surroundings, where local interests are increasingly vocal, especially amid shifting political landscapes.
With the next federal election anticipated for October 2025, there are whispers of Carney potentially calling for earlier elections before Parliament reconvenes on March 24. Such speculations add to the existing uncertainty surrounding how policies will be shaped and perceived prior to the public's evaluation of this new government.
At this pivotal moment, the focus will remain on Rachel Bendayan and her approach to immigration—a portfolio laden with expectations to address labor shortages, re-engage international students, and bolster Canada’s identity as both welcoming and pragmatic. Whether her leadership will chart a new course or steer through established waters will be consequential in defining Mark Carney’s premiership.