NEWS reports from Ottawa say that Navdeep Bains, federal Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, is leaving cabinet as he does not intend to run in the next election, expected in the spring.
Foreign Affairs Minister François-Philippe Champagne will reportedly replace Bains, while Transport Minister Marc Garneau will take over Champagne’s portfolio. MP Omar Alghabra is expected to be promoted to cabinet as transport minister.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will hold a virtual cabinet retreat with four sessions to take place on January 12, 14, 18, and 21.
Bains has been the MP for Mississauga—Malton since 2015, and was previously the MP for Mississauga—Brampton South from 2004 to 2011.
He has served as Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, and was the Parliamentary Secretary to former Prime Minister Paul Martin. Previously, he was the critic for Public Works and Government Services, the Treasury Board, International Trade, Natural Resources, and Small Business and Tourism.
Before entering politics, he was a distinguished visiting professor at Ryerson University’s Ted Rogers School, and worked for several years in accounting and financial analysis for the Ford Motor Company of Canada.
Bains holds a Master of Business Administration with a specialization in Finance.