Former Justice Minister David Lametti has been appointed Canada’s ambassador to the United Nations, the Prime Minister’s Office announced, while a number of former Trudeau cabinet members and current Liberal MPs are reportedly set to be appointed to diplomatic positions in the near future.
The PMO confirmed in a statement on Sept. 18 that former Justice Minister David Lametti has been appointed Canada’s ambassador to the United Nations. Lametti currently serves as principal secretary to Prime Minister Mark Carney.
The PMO also announced the same day that Vera Alexander will serve as Canada’s ambassador to Germany. Alexander most recently served as associate assistant deputy minister of people and talent management at Global Affairs Canada, focusing on improving human resources and Canada’s foreign service.
“Canada’s new government has a mandate to strengthen and diversify our international partnerships, relying on principled and effective leaders to represent the value of Canada’s strength in a rapidly transforming world,” Carney said in the Sept. 18 statement. “David Lametti and Vera Alexander are well-positioned to advance this mission, and I thank them for their continued service to Canada.”
Carney also thanked Canada’s outgoing U.N. ambassador, Bob Rae, for his “exemplary service and his invaluable leadership to advance Canada’s interests, values, and partnerships at a hinge moment in the world’s history.”
According to media reports, former Energy Minister Jonathan Wilkinson has also been offered a diplomatic role as ambassador to the European Union, and former Defence Minister Bill Blair has been offered the role of high commissioner to the UK.
Lametti previously served as Liberal MP for LaSalle-Émard-Verdun and as justice minister in the Trudeau government before being removed from cabinet in 2023 during a cabinet shuffle.
Wilkinson has previously served in various ministerial roles, including environment minister, natural resources minister, and minister of fisheries, oceans, and the Canadian Coast Guard.
Blair, who served as defence minister until earlier this year, is expected to replace Ralph Goodale in the diplomatic role as high commissioner to the UK.
MPs Wilkinson and Blair told reporters in Ottawa they are focused on serving their constituents for the time being and did not comment on the reported upcoming appointments. Wilkinson represents North Vancouver-Capilano in B.C., while Blair represents the Ontario riding of Scarborough Southwest.
The timing of the appointments may depend on the need to maintain Liberal numbers in a minority Parliament as the fall budget and key confidence votes loom. The departures of these MPs could impact the government’s ability to secure necessary votes in the House of Commons.
The news come in the wake of transport and internal trade minister Chrystia Freeland’s Sept. 16 announcement that she has resigned from her post to seek “fresh challenges.” Carney confirmed the same day Freeland would now serve as Canada’s special representative for the reconstruction of Ukraine. Her new role, which is outside the cabinet, involves reporting to Carney on ongoing efforts to rebuild Ukraine’s economy as its war against Russia continues.
Freeland has stated that she will not run in the next federal election but will continue to serve as MP for the Ontario riding of University-Rosedale for the time being.
Carney described Freeland in a Sept. 16 statement as “uniquely suited for this vital work to support a better future for Ukrainians and for peace in Europe.”
Government House Leader Steven MacKinnon was sworn in as new transport minister, while Dominic LeBlanc is taking over the role of minister of internal trade.
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