The 29th ministry since Confederation now has some new members — individuals who could one day become vital or important ministers of the Crown.
But the only minister who currently matters is the prime minister And unless or until the question of the prime minister’s future is answered, not much else matters.
The shuffle that was executed on Friday was likely necessary. Due to recent resignations — including Chrystia Freeland’s shocking exit on Monday — several remaining ministers were carrying extra responsibilities. A handful of other ministers had said they wouldn’t be running in the next election and were due to be replaced by MPs who will be.
So the official business of government went on, even while the future of the government’s leader continued to hang in the balance.
Emerging from the first meeting of the new cabinet, Trudeau said the discussion was focused entirely on relations with the United States.
“We have a lot …