Arielle Kayabaga named head of Government Business in Canada's House of Commons

Arielle Kayabaga, the Liberal MP for London West, has been appointed and sworn in as the new Leader of Government Business in Canada’s House of Commons and Minister of Democratic Institutions in the cabinet of newly elected Prime Minister Mark Carney. ALSO READ: Canadian MP Arielle Kayabaga on her tour of Rwanda Born in Burundi in 1991, Kayabaga moved to Canada as a refugee. She was 11 at the time. A former London city councillor, she has served as a federal politician since 2021. With her new role, the 34-year-old is now responsible for coordinating government day-to-day business in the House of Commons and managing the government's overall legislative agenda. Following her swearing-in, Kayabaga took to X, formerly Twitter, to express her enthusiasm for the new role. She said: “It is with great enthusiasm that I begin my new role as Leader of the Government in the House of Commons and Minister of Democratic Institutions. To the constituents of London West and my community, I am proud to continue my work in the House of Commons and to be your voice in this new Cabinet.” According to Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) News, Kayabaga emphasized her commitment to representing her constituents and advocating for London and southwestern Ontario at the federal level. “As someone who grew up in London and has represented the city both municipally and federally, I will ensure Londoners’ voices are heard in cabinet decisions,” she said. Kayabaga highlighted the economic significance of southwestern Ontario, particularly as Canada navigates trade tensions with the United States. She believes her experience in both municipal and federal politics will be an asset in managing legislative priorities and working across party lines. Reports indicate that reflecting on her new role, she acknowledged the uncertainty of cabinet positions beyond the next election but expressed willingness to continue serving if given the opportunity. “We serve at the pleasure of the prime minister. If the prime minister taps me again, I will be more than happy to do so.”