Joanne Thompson appointed Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard.
Joanne Thompson has been sworn in as Canada’s Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, becoming the first politician from Newfoundland and Labrador to hold the role since 2008. She was appointed on March 14, 2025, as part of Prime Minister Mark Carney’s new cabinet.
Thompson, the Member of Parliament for St. John’s East, was first elected in 2021 and previously served as Minister for Seniors under Justin Trudeau.
Her appointment comes at a time of uncertainty for the seafood industry, with looming tariff threats on seafood exports to the United States and ongoing debates over offshore access to the northern cod fishery.
Thompson succeeds Diane Lebouthillier in the role. Her tenure may be short-lived, depending on the timing of Canada’s next federal election, which must take place before the end of the year.
