The Federal Liberals’ Historic Cabinet Swearing-in Ceremony

By Rupert Johnson

Wednesday, November 4, 2015 was indeed a historic day in Canadian politics. It was historic in that it signalled a turning point in the political, social and cultural direction of our nation as a whole.

The entire day was not only characterized by symbolisms, but by substantive and tangible moves that demonstrated that progressive changes were forthcoming. It is remarkable that this was the first time the public was invited to witness the swearing in ceremony of the Prime Minister and his cabinet. This was also the first time that the Prime Minister-designate and the full cabinet arrived at Rideau Hall in a bus instead of the traditional limousines.

These symbolisms certainly set the tone that the new Liberal government under the leadership of Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau is serious about its election promise of “Real Change.” There is no doubt that this genuine change is characterized by the fact that history was made in the composition of the cabinet. It is indeed remarkable and noteworthy that for the first time in Canadian political history 50% of the cabinet is made up of women. What stands out most significantly is the fact that there is no tokenism in these appointments. All the appointed women ministers are extremely qualified and efficient.

It should be noted, however, that the diversity of the cabinet is not perfect in that it is not a real microcosm of the Canadian society. Nevertheless, it is moving in that direction. Although the cabinet does not exactly mirror the ethnic and racial make-up of the Canadian society, it is a vast improvement over what existed in yesteryear. It should be noted that aboriginals are well represented in cabinet in that out of 8 elected members 2 have been appointed Ministers.

This is the dawning of new era in Canadian politics in that the majority of Canadians are optimistic about the future. They are hopeful and confident that the Prime Minister will indeed fulfill his campaign promises.

It is heartwarming that Parliament will reconvene on December 3, 2015, and a Bill to lower the tax rate of the middle class, and raise the rate for the very wealthy, will be introduced in Parliament on December 4, 2015.

Fulfilment of other promises will also be forthcoming such as the re-introduction of the Long-form Census, and the withdrawal of the fighter jets from Syria and Iraq. And there is no doubt the Canada will play a prominent role in the Climate Change Conference in Paris later this year. There is also no doubt that Canada will once again be a respected member of the United Nations so much so that it will eventually secure a seat on the Security Council.

It is quite clear that the new Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, is determined to make Canada a better place in which to live. This positive tone was set at the swearing ceremony on November 4. When he was asked about the unprecedented number of women in the cabinet, without hesitation he replied: “Because it’s 2015.” This means that it is time for Canada to pay close attention to the contribution of women.

The Prime Minister also signalled a return to cabinet government when Ministers were free to answer questions about their respective ministries, and were able to exercise a great deal of autonomy. This is indeed a real change, for under the one-man rule of the former Prime Minister, Stephen Harper, ministers were extremely muzzled so much so that they were like puppets on a string.

It goes without saying that the majority of Canadians are thrilled with the new Liberal government and have already demonstrated their very high expectations. I do hope that these expectations will be fulfilled in order to make Canada a show-piece to the entire world.

Rupert Johnson can be reached at: r.b.johnson@sympatico.ca.