John Zerucelli Named Secretary of State (Labour)

Summary#

The Canada Gazette published an order (SI/2025-65) on June 4, 2025 that assigns the Honourable John Zerucelli, Minister of State (Labour), to assist the Minister of Employment and Social Development. The order (P.C. 2025-471, dated May 13, 2025) gives him the style of Secretary of State (Labour) and directs him to help carry out the Minister’s responsibilities.

What it does#

• Names Honourable John Zerucelli, Minister of State (Labour), to be styled Secretary of State (Labour).
• Assigns him to assist the Minister of Employment and Social Development in carrying out that Minister’s responsibilities.
• Makes the assignment under the Ministries and Ministers of State Act.

Who's affected#

• Federal officials inside Employment and Social Development who may work with or report to the newly styled Secretary of State (Labour).
• Workers, employers, unions and other groups who interact with federal labour and employment programs — they may see a different official handling some files or public questions.
• The wider public: this is an internal government staffing decision, so most people will not notice any immediate change.

Why it matters#

• It clarifies who in government will help manage labour and employment files. That can change who answers questions, signs correspondence, or represents the department at meetings.
• This is an administrative assignment, not a policy change. The order does not itself create new programs or change laws.