Trudeau is expected to elevate Toronto-area MP Omar Alghabra to cabinet to take on the Transport portfolio. Alghabra has been parliamentary secretary to several ministers, including Trudeau. Trudeau's minority Liberal government could be toppled if the opposition parties unite against it -- potentially after the next budget in the spring, the first since the COVID-19 pandemic sent the federal deficit skyrocketing. Bains's department will be a key player in the government's plan to reignite the shattered economy once the pandemic is over. Trudeau has been clear that critical portfolios need to be overseen by ministers who intend to be around for the long haul and who can sell the government's agenda during the next election campaign.