Steven Guilbeault has been sworn in as Canada’s new Minister of Canadian Culture and Identity, Parks Canada and Quebec Lieutenant, as part of the cabinet of new Prime Minister Mark Carney.

Prior to his latest cabinet appointment, Guilbeault was the Minister of Environment and Climate Change. The MP for Laurier—Sainte Marie in Quebec also previously served as Heritage Minister from Nov. 20, 2019 to Oct. 26, 2021.

In that period, Guilbeault ushered in Bill C-10, proposing changes to the Broadcasting Act that many in the Canadian film and TV industry saw as long overdue, and navigated the chaos of the COVID-19 pandemic, which included distribution of $500 million in COVID-19 relief funding for the cultural sector at large.

“On behalf of the Canada Media Fund [CMF], I extend my congratulations to Minister Steven Guilbeault on his return to the cultural portfolio as Minister of Canadian Culture and Identity. His proven leadership and steadfast commitment to the media and cultural sectors will be crucial during this period of significant change,” said CMF CEO Valerie Creighton in a statement. “We look forward to working closely with him to support the continued growth and resilience of Canada’s screen industry.”

In a separate statement, the Canadian Media Producers Association highlighted Guilbeault’s introduction of the Short-Term Compensation Fund during the COVID-19 pandemic during his tenure as Heritage Minister, which “provided the necessary insurance for productions to move forward, safeguarding thousands of jobs.”

Guilbeault is replacing outgoing Heritage Minister Pascale St-Onge, who has served in the position since July 2023. Her remit widened in early February, when she assumed the roles of Minister of Tourism and Minister responsible for the Economic Development Agency of Canada in Quebec. Later in February, St-Onge proposed a wide-ranging plan for the future of CBC/Radio-Canada, which included increases to the pubcaster’s budget and enshrining its funding on a per capita basis.

“She has been a valued ally and champion of the industry, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to the excellence of Canadian content,” said Creighton. “We are grateful for her contributions and wish her all the best.”

With files from Barry Walsh