MONTREAL – Marjorie Michel, a name that may not yet resonate with many Canadians, has stepped into the spotlight as the new Member of Parliament for Papineau, succeeding Justin Trudeau. Recently appointed as Canada’s Minister of Health, Michel is navigating a new political landscape after the April 28 election, a role she never envisioned for herself.

Despite her low profile, Michel is recognized in Montreal’s Haitian community and among Quebec’s Liberal circles as a significant figure, often referred to as the “godmother” of the Liberal Party in Quebec. Known for her directness and organizational skills, she previously served as deputy chief of staff and a close adviser to Trudeau.

Michel’s political journey is rooted in her family history. She is the daughter of Smarck Michel, who served as Haiti’s prime minister from 1994 to 1995. Growing up in a politically tumultuous environment, she experienced firsthand the instability that plagued Haiti, leading her to leave the country in 1999 with her two daughters. They settled in Montreal, where she prioritized their education and safety.

In Montreal, Michel faced financial challenges while raising her daughters alone. Her daughter, Maxim Kernisant, described her mother as the family’s rock, always providing guidance and support. Michel’s political career began in the provincial scene with the Quebec Liberal Party, where she worked as an organizer and advisor.

Her path eventually led her to the federal Liberal Party, where she held various roles, including chief of staff to the president of the Treasury Board and deputy chief of staff to Trudeau. In 2024, she briefly served as the federal Liberal party’s deputy campaign director before stepping back.

Despite her extensive background, Michel admits that being in the public eye is a new challenge. "When you are a staffer, you’re there to advise, you’re there to protect, but you’re not there to make decisions, either," she explained in a recent interview. "So, you often have to live with advice you’ve given that isn’t taken."

Her transition to a public role was not without hesitation. For years, Liberal insiders encouraged her to run for office, but she preferred to work behind the scenes. After Trudeau’s resignation and the appointment of Mark Carney as the new Liberal leader, she was urged to run in Papineau. Initially resistant, she eventually accepted the challenge, becoming Canada’s first Haitian-born cabinet minister.

In her new role, Michel is focused on being an effective MP and managing the Department of Health. She has identified mental health as a top priority, particularly in light of the anxiety many Canadians feel due to the current political climate and the relationship with the United States. "You have to be there when it’s difficult, and I think I’m strong enough to be there when it’s difficult," she stated.

As the Liberals navigate a minority government, Michel is uncertain about her future in the House of Commons. "If we had won a majority, I would have run once and then prepared the next generation. Now, I don’t know. We’ll see," she said, reflecting on the unpredictable nature of politics.