PM Carney’s smaller cabinet is facing pushback from advocacy groups [Video]

Canada’s new prime minister is facing growing criticism from advocacy groups upset that ministers solely dedicated to their issues are no longer around the cabinet table.

Mark Carney announced his slate of 23 ministers on Friday, which he described as a much smaller cabinet focused on protecting workers during a trade war and building the economy during a moment of crisis.

Rabia Khedr, the national director of Disability Without Poverty, says she believes Carney put his election strategy first by dropping a series of titles from his cabinet. 

“I think it’s a political strategy. It’s a strategic decision to get rid of anything that has to do with equity, diversity and inclusion in the forefront,” said Khedr.

After being sworn in, Carney said his cabinet is leaner because it’s “focused on the issues that are most important to Canadians, meeting the moment — the moment is a moment of crisis.”