Nate Erskine-Smith has retained his role as federal housing minister in new Prime Minister Mark Carney’s slimmed down cabinet.

Erskine-Smith was sworn in Friday, along with Carney and other cabinet ministers at Rideau Hall in Ottawa. In December, Erskine-Smith replaced Sean Fraser because he does not plan to seek re-election. Erskine-Smith had previously announced his intention to leave politics but decided to stay after being given the cabinet role initially by former PM Justin Trudeau.

Meanwhile, Ali Ehsassi becomes procurement minister in another key real estate-related appointment. His ministry serves as Ottawa’s real estate arm while overseeing federal property acquisitions, dispositions and day-to-day management.

In another key real estate-related move, Carney gave Chrystia Freeland the transport portfolio. Freeland, the former finance minister, ran against Carney in the Liberal leadership race, placing a distant second.

Her resignation as finance minister led to Trudeau’s departure. Former transportation minister Anita Anand is now responsible for industry and innovation, a ministry that plays a leading role in major project investments, such as EV and battery plants.

Carney appointed 24 cabinet members, down from 36 under Trudeau. Several Trudeau loyalists were ousted in a bid to show that the Carney regime is not linked to him.

Pictured: Housing Minister Nate Erskine-Smith

Photo: Supplied