As expected, Premier Couillard’s cabinet shuffle resulted in several new faces joined cabinet while the older guard shifted roles. The new cabinet will be composed of 30 ministers, which is quite large – nearly half of the Liberal caucus. 

Key cabinet position overview: 

Energy and Natural Resources: Major change: Pierre Moreau (previously at Treasury Board) is replacing Pierre Arcand, who served in Natural Resources for over three years. He will be responsible for the Energy Policy 2030 that will be implemented over the next year through the first action plan and Transition Énergétique Québec (TEQ). Moreau will also focus on the Plan Nord, which has a few mining projects with significant potential. 

 

Environment: New minister Isabelle Melançon joins cabinet by taking over a major ministry from David Heurtel, who served as minister for three years. Key issues include the future of the carbon market post-2020 and the approval of various industrial projects. 

Municipal Affairs and Public Safety: Martin Coiteux remains as the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Minister of Public Safety. 

Economy, Science & Innovation: Dominique Anglade remains as the Minister of the Economy. She will also serve as Deputy Premier. She has been touring Quebec announcing major investments across the province and travelling abroad to help Quebec businesses.