Carney to adjust federal cabinet after Guilbeault steps down over Alberta energy deal

Prime Minister Mark Carney is preparing a limited cabinet shuffle on Monday, following the sudden resignation of Steven Guilbeault late last week. Guilbeault left his role as Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and as the government’s Quebec Lieutenant, a decision that came only hours after Ottawa unveiled a new energy agreement with Alberta.

In a letter made public Thursday, Guilbeault wrote that he respects the prime minister’s efforts to navigate what he described as a period of “profound disruption,” but said he could not support the memorandum of understanding with Alberta. He noted that environmental considerations must remain “front and centre” in federal decision making and said he resigned “with great sadness.”

Federal officials say the upcoming shuffle will focus on reallocating the responsibilities Guilbeault previously carried. The Prime Minister’s Office has confirmed a swearing-in ceremony will take place at Rideau Hall at 3 p.m. Eastern.

The agreement with Alberta has drawn significant attention in Western Canada, including in British Columbia and Alberta where energy policy and federal–provincial relations remain central issues for local economies and climate planning. The change in cabinet is expected to influence how Ottawa manages these files in the months ahead.