Labour Minister Seamus O’Regan to Leave Cabinet: “This Was The Right Time”
Labour Minister Seamus O’Regan has announced that he will not seek re-election in the next federal election and will step down from his cabinet position, making him the 16th Liberal MP under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to declare his intention not to run again. The news comes as a significant shift within Trudeau’s cabinet, adding to the ongoing speculations about an impending cabinet shuffle this summer.
In a heartfelt social media post, O’Regan expressed his reasons for leaving, emphasizing the personal nature of his decision. “It never seems to be the right time,” O’Regan stated in an interview with CTV News Channel. “There’s always something happening, there’s a lot of news, there’s a lot going on these days, but eventually, at some point, [my husband and I] had to make this decision, and we felt that this was the right time.”
O’Regan, who has served as the Member of Parliament for St. John’s South-Mount Pearl since 2015, cited the need to prioritize his family as a primary reason for his departure. “These were difficult decisions. Being chosen as MP in three elections over nine years by the people of this riding has been a great honour,” he wrote. “But, ultimately, my family comes first. I need to be a better husband, son, uncle, and friend, and this job means, and deserves, a lot of time in order to do it well.”
According to sources, O’Regan informed Trudeau of his decision on Canada Day. He intends to remain an MP until the next federal election, currently scheduled for October 2025. The Prime Minister’s Office has announced that O’Regan’s replacement will be sworn in at Rideau Hall on Friday, the same day the cabinet is set to meet.
O’Regan’s departure marks the end of a notable career within the Trudeau administration. He joined the cabinet in 2017 as the minister of veterans affairs and went on to serve in several key roles, including minister of Indigenous services, natural resources, and labour and seniors.
Reflecting on his time in government, O’Regan highlighted various achievements, such as reintroducing a lifelong pension for veterans, passing legislation to return Child and Family Services to First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities, and developing the National Hydrogen Plan and the Critical Minerals List.
Trudeau praised O’Regan’s contributions in a social media post, stating, “My friend Seamus has been a pragmatic voice and a relentless advocate around the Cabinet table. But to do that work well, you have to sacrifice a lot, and ask so much of your family. I respect his decision whole-heartedly.”
O’Regan’s decision to step down comes amid a challenging period for the Liberal Party, which has been experiencing a decline in public opinion polls. A recent poll from Abacus Data indicates that 61% of Canadians would vote for a change in government in the next federal election.
Political analyst Scott Reid, a former communications director for Prime Minister Paul Martin, described O’Regan’s resignation as a “big disappointment” for the Liberal government. “Seamus O’Regan was one of the government’s most effective communicators, one of the few cabinet ministers who can talk to people and sound like a real person,” Reid said in an interview. “He’s going to be sorely missed, and he’s been effective in every portfolio that he’s served. A real star.”
Reid also noted that losing O’Regan, who represents the federal riding of St. John’s South-Mount Pearl, could be particularly tough for the Liberals, as it signifies losing a foothold in Atlantic Canada.
Despite the current challenges, O’Regan remains optimistic about the future of the Liberal Party. “I think the polls are the polls, and the polls are where they are right now,” he said, suggesting that much can change before the next election.
Information for this briefing was found via CTV News and the sources mentioned. The author has no securities or affiliations related to this organization. Not a recommendation to buy or sell. Always do additional research and consult a professional before purchasing a security. The author holds no licenses.