PRIME Minister Justin Trudeau on Tuesday appointed Chrystia Freeland as Finance Minister in place of Bill Morneau, who resigned on Monday. Freeland, who was Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, will also remain Deputy Prime Minister.

Freeland had a long career working for major publications such as the Financial Times and The Economist. For five years, she has been at the heart of economic issues, including the renegotiation of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). Recently, she played a crucial role in the Team Canada response to COVID-19, said Trudeau.

Dominic LeBlanc becomes Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs. He will also remain President of the Queen’s Privy Council for Canada. He is familiar with his new portfolio, having served as Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs from 2018 to 2019.

Earlier on Tuesday, Trudeau asked Governor General Julie Payette to prorogue Parliament.

“This will provide an opportunity to present a Speech from the Throne on Wednesday, September 23, 2020, the same week the House of Commons was previously scheduled to return. This speech will present the government’s detailed vision for the future, and will provide the opportunity for a vote of confidence on this new plan,” said a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office.