Prime Minister Mark Carney is preparing to make changes to his cabinet following the resignation of Steven Guilbeault. Guilbeault stepped down last week in response to a memorandum of understanding between the federal government and Alberta regarding a new oil pipeline to the British Columbia coast. The swearing-in ceremony for the new cabinet members is scheduled for 3 p.m. ET today at Rideau Hall.

Guilbeault, who served as the minister of official languages, Canadian identity, and culture, expressed concerns about the implications of the energy deal. In his resignation statement, he criticized the agreement, stating it dismantled key climate policies he had championed during his tenure as environment minister under former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

The memorandum signed by Carney and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith includes concessions for Alberta and sets the groundwork for the proposed pipeline. As part of the deal, the federal government will suspend the proposed oil and gas emissions cap and lift Alberta's obligations under the Clean Electricity Regulations, both of which were established while Guilbeault was in office.

In his resignation, Guilbeault noted, "Over the past few months, several elements of the climate action plan I worked on as minister of the environment have been, or are about to be, dismantled. In my view, these measures remain essential to our climate action plan." Despite his resignation from cabinet, Guilbeault will continue to serve as a Liberal MP for his Montreal riding.

Carney's cabinet reshuffle comes after a previous adjustment in September, when he replaced former Transport and Internal Trade Minister Chrystia Freeland. During that shuffle, Canada-U.S. Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc took over the internal trade portfolio, and Government House Leader Steven MacKinnon was appointed as the new transport minister.

Despite Guilbeault's departure, several Liberal MPs have publicly stated that the party remains united. The upcoming cabinet changes will fill the roles left vacant by Guilbeault, including his position as Carney's Quebec lieutenant. More updates are expected following the swearing-in ceremony.