Two More Canadian Cabinet Ministers Exit as Pre-Election Exodus Grows

Justice Minister Arif Virani and International Trade Minister Mary Ng announced on Monday they will not seek re-election, bringing to seven the number of cabinet members departing Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government ahead of the next federal vote.

Virani, elected in 2015 to represent Toronto’s Parkdale-High Park district, cited family considerations in his decision. The justice minister’s two sons have known only a life with their father in politics, frequently away from home.

Ng, who entered parliament through a 2017 by-election in Markham-Thornhill, pointed to her work expanding trade partnerships beyond the US market. Under her tenure, Canadian businesses gained access to over 65% of the global economy through free trade agreements.

Both ministers will retain their portfolios until the election. Their announcements follow the recent departures of Transport Minister Anita Anand, Rural Development Minister Gudie Hutchings, and Emergency Preparedness Minister Harjit Sajjan.

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Former Tourism Minister Soraya Martinez Ferrada stepped down from cabinet last week to pursue Montreal’s mayoralty, bringing the total cabinet departures to seven including Trudeau, who reshuffled his cabinet in December.

Virani previously served as parliamentary secretary in multiple portfolios including immigration and heritage before his 2023 appointment as justice minister. Ng managed the small business portfolio in 2018 before taking over international trade.

These departures come as Trudeau’s Liberal government faces declining poll numbers and mounting pressure over issues including housing affordability and the cost of living.

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