Stephen McKinnon, who recently held the position of Leader of the Government in the House of Commons, has taken on the role of Minister of Labor and Seniors for the Federal Liberals.

Additionally, the Member of Parliament for Gatineau, QC, took the oath of office in the Rideau Hall this morning Friday alongside Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Governor General Mary Simon.

The outgoing Minister of Labor, Seamus O'Regan, announced his resignation from the government on Thursday for family reasons, although he will remain as the MP for Newfoundland until the next federal election.

McKinnon joined the cabinet in January to replace the Government Leader in the House of Commons, Karina Gould, during her maternity leave.

A press release from the Prime Minister's office stated that in this role, he has "a wealth of experience in building consensus and working with partners to pass legislation," adding that he has "made significant progress in healthcare, affordable housing, organized labor, and climate action."

Trudeau's office indicated that Gould will resume her previous role when she returns to the House at the end of July.

Previously, McKinnon served as the Liberal Party's House Leader. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, he held the position of Parliamentary Secretary for Critical Procurement.

He was first elected in the 2015 election that brought the Liberals under Trudeau to power.

The full cabinet is expected to hold a brief virtual meeting on Friday for the first time since the Liberal's shocking loss in the by-election in Toronto last month.