Political experts, colleagues have confidence in rookie minister

Rebecca Chartrand defeated a 17-year incumbent to become an MP and now she’s part of the prime minister’s inner circle.

The rookie was named minister of northern and Arctic affairs on Tuesday, becoming Manitoba’s lone member of the federal Liberal government’s new cabinet.

Chartrand was sworn in at Rideau Hall in Ottawa. Prime Minister Mark Carney also named her the minister responsible for the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency.

Manitoba leaders said they were excited to work with the longtime leader in Indigenous education.

“On a personal level, new minister Rebecca Chartrand is somebody that we’re very excited to see represent our federal interests here in the province of Manitoba,” Premier Wab Kinew said in the legislature.

“Of course, on a personal level, she is my wife’s cousin. So it will be Minister Chartrand to me, but that personal connection to everybody in Manitoba is a sign of great things to come.”

Winnipeg Mayor Scott Gillingham said he doesn’t know what her appointment will mean for the city’s priorities — funding for the north end sewage treatment plant, housing needs, and making the city safe — without a cabinet minister from Winnipeg.

“That has yet to be determined, but I’ll also be sharing Winnipeg’s priorities with Minister Chartrand as well,” Gillingham said.

“Having veteran members of Parliament here at the table in Winnipeg, they understand Winnipeg’s needs and priorities, I look forward to our continued work with them. I think there is a measure of continuity which we will be able to achieve with the files that are important to us.”

Chartrand secured 45.5 per cent of the vote to win the Churchill-Keewatinook Aski riding on April 28. Niki Ashton, the NDP candidate who had represented the area since 2008, got 28.7 per cent of the vote. It was the only rural Manitoba riding to change hands.

The new cabinet minister was not made available for an interview Tuesday.

Liberal MP Ben Carr worked with Chartrand when she was president and CEO of Indigenous Strategy, an organization that helps push for Indigenous inclusion, before he was elected in a 2023 byelection. While she’s new to politics, Carr said she’ll bring experience and knowledge to the cabinet table.

“Her energy, leadership, and work ethic will serve us well. I’ll be there to support her every step of the way,” said the Winnipeg South Centre MP.

Longtime Winnipeg North MP Kevin Lamoureux said he first met Chartrand when she was a constituent working as division lead for aboriginal education with the Seven Oaks School Division.

“I’ve always found her to be a very strong powerful voice in expressing her opinion,” Lamoureux said, echoing Carr’s words that she would be a powerful voice around cabinet.

Chartrand replaces Winnipeg South MP Terry Duguid, who found himself on the outside looking in when Carney’s moves were announced.

Duguid was named sports minister by then-prime minister Justin Trudeau in December, in a shuffle sparked by the resignation of finance minister Chrystia Freeland. He was promoted to environment and climate change minister days before Carney called the election.

Duguid was also unavailable for comment. In a statement, he congratulated Carney, the new cabinet and Chartrand. He said it was “my honour to serve as the co-chair of the very successful election campaign that brought our Liberal party back to government.”

Paul Thomas, professor emeritus of political studies at the University of Manitoba, said Duguid got caught in a numbers game.

“He must be disappointed about being dropped from cabinet after such a short time in the inner circle, however, he has been effective in the past working on meaningful files while serving as a parliamentary secretary to various ministers so I expect him to have continuing influence,” said Thomas, noting the need to balance veterans and newcomers in cabinet.

Thomas said even though Chartrand is a rookie, she has been in close contact with government officials over the years.

“She may be a first-time MP and new minister, but she knows the machinery of government so her learning curve will not be as steep as some other new members.”

Kelly Saunders, an associate political science professor at Brandon University, said many factors are involved in selecting ministers, including geography, gender balance, equitable representation and politics.

“To expect Manitoba would get more than one cabinet spot when we have only 14 seats — we’re a small fish in the national picture,” she said.

Saunders said Chartrand checks several boxes — she represents the North, she’s a woman and she’s Indigenous.

“I think that is going to bring an important new voice to the table,” Saunders said.

— with files from Joyanne Pursaga and Carol Sanders

kevin.rollason@freepress.mb.ca