OTTAWA — Housing Minister Sean Fraser has officially announced his resignation from cabinet and his decision not to run for re-election, creating ripples within Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's Liberal Party, which has been struggling with declining poll numbers.
A senior government official, who chose to remain anonymous, confirmed this news, indicating Fraser's resignation is attributed to family reasons. The official also noted Fraser will address his decision during a cabinet meeting scheduled for Monday.
Fraser, first elected as the Liberal MP for Central Nova, Nova Scotia, in 2015, quickly ascended through the ranks, occupying roles including parliamentary secretary and immigration minister before taking on the housing portfolio. Appointed as housing minister in 2023, he was tasked with overseeing what has become one of Canada's most pressing issues: housing affordability.
Prior to his appointment, the Liberal government faced immense pressure over soaring home prices and insufficient housing inventory, particularly affecting major markets such as Toronto and Vancouver. Fraser's credibility was bolstered by his reputation as one of the government's strong communication figures, making his departure one of the more notable recent exits from the cabinet.
Fraser became the latest casualty among several senior cabinet ministers reportedly planning to step away from politics. Other members departing include Filomena Tassi, Dan Vandal, Carla Qualtrough, and Marie-Claude Bibeau, highlighting increasing instability within the Trudeau administration. Trudeau, grappling with these changes, is anticipated to shuffle his cabinet soon, filling the numerous vacancies left behind.
Compounding these challenges for the Trudeau government is the overall political climate, with recent polling showing the Conservatives led by Pierre Poilievre gaining ground against the Liberals. Concerned about the party's future, Trudeau has been actively attempting to recruit high-profile figures, like Mark Carney, who previously governed the Bank of Canada and Bank of England, envisaging them filling significant roles within his administration.
Fraser’s tenure as housing minister was marked by initiatives aimed at addressing the housing crisis. He implemented notable policies such as launching a $1 billion direct delivery stream through the Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund (CHIF) and investing $50 million through the Regional Homebuilding Innovation Initiative (RHII). Nevertheless, these efforts have been overshadowed by criticism directed at the government’s housing strategy, deemed inadequate by many amid rising costs and mounting demand.
Speaking to his focus on family rather than political aspirations, Fraser remarked, "I'm not making any plans. I've got a job to do up here and I'm focused on doing my job well," alluding to his commitment to public service rather than potential leadership bids within his party.
The outlook for the Liberal Party appears increasingly precarious, as the next federal election approaches, likely to occur by October 2025. The anticipated shift within Trudeau’s cabinet is perhaps not just about filling vacant spots but rather about revitalizing the party's stance on pressing issues, including housing, which has become emblematic of broader dissatisfaction with the current administration.
With the departure of figures like Fraser, the stakes are high for the Trudeau government to maneuver through these turbulent waters as it prepares for the upcoming electoral contest. Observers are left pondering whether upcoming strategic changes will be enough to redirect the party's declining fortunes.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published on December 15, 2024.
