Joanne Thompson Assigned to Assist Employment Minister

Summary#

This is an order that ends the assignment of Steven Garrett MacKinnon to assist the Minister of Employment and Social Development and instead assigns Joanne Thompson to that role. The order was made on December 20, 2024 (P.C. 2024-1418) and published in the Canada Gazette on January 15, 2025 (Registration SI/2025-6).

What it does#

• Terminates the earlier assignment of Steven Garrett MacKinnon that was made by Order in Council P.C. 2024-896 of July 19, 2024.
• Assigns Joanne Thompson, who is Minister of State (Seniors) and styled Minister of Seniors, to assist the Minister of Employment and Social Development in carrying out that minister’s responsibilities.
• The change is made under the Ministries and Ministers of State Act.

Who's affected#

• The most directly affected people are Joanne Thompson, Steven Garrett MacKinnon, and the Minister of Employment and Social Development.
• Staff who support the minister and the ministerial office may see internal changes in duties or points of contact.
• Stakeholders who deal with seniors’ issues or Employment and Social Development programs may notice a change in who represents or speaks for the government on related matters.
• The Gazette text does not say this order changes any programs, funding, or policy.

Why it matters#

• This is a cabinet personnel change. That can affect who is responsible for public-facing decisions, announcements, or meetings on seniors’ issues and employment and social development.
• For most members of the public it is an administrative update with no immediate change to services.
• If you work with the federal seniors file, Employment and Social Development Canada, or follow related policy, your main practical effect is a possible change in who is the government contact or spokesperson.