PM sets more inclusive, fair Canada as priority in mandate letters for ministers

OTTAWA — Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is ordering his entire cabinet to keep their eye on the government’s broader goals of creating a more inclusive and resilient country, even as the COVID-19 pandemic is once again threatening to thwart their ambitions.

Trudeau’s new mandate letters to the 38 members of cabinet were published online today and they show that ending the fight against COVID-19 remains the top priority across government.

But he says the pandemic cannot throw everything off course and his letters highlight the need to fight the “existential threat” of climate change and to ensure a future where all Canadians have “a real and fair chance at success.”

That includes addressing systemic inequities and racism and the letter also orders every minister to take the time to implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in their departments.

The pandemic knocked many of the plans outlined in the 2019 mandate letters off course, and the latest batch hints at a sense of urgency to finally deliver on some of the Liberal government’s biggest promises.

Trudeau is also requiring every minister to come up with a plan for implementing everything in their mandate letters and regularly report publicly on their progress.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 16, 2021.

The Canadian Press