According to Yukon MP Brendan Hanley, Wednesday’s federal government cabinet shuffle comes at just the right time for a “re-fresh and re-focus” of priorities as the increasing cost of living is felt in the Yukon and throughout Canada.

“That’s probably the single most pressing need and certainly the top of mind on every person I’ve spoken to,” Hanley told the Star Wednesday after the new cabinet posts were announced.

“Particularly for those who are disadvantaged economically – it’s a real struggle.”

Hanley said the government needs to change to better respond to issues around general affordability, housing costs, mental health and the impacts of climate change.

Most of these portfolios will have newly selected MPs running the respective ministries.

Hanley pointed out that after two years, it can be necessary to change up internal leadership to pivot the focus of the government toward emerging priorities.

“I think it gives a really good re-fresh to the look and feel of the cabinet,” Hanley said. “It’s important to re-energizing the party.”

The Liberals hold a tenuous position in power as a minority government, and Hanley said they currently have no appetite to hold an election. Nor does he believe Canadians want to see an election anytime soon.

Recent polling, such as an Abacus Data survey conducted during the past week, has consistently shown the Liberal party is losing ground to the Conservatives. The Abacus survey shows the Conservative party pulling out in front of the Liberals by 10 points.

A Léger poll released Thursday gives the Conservatives a nine-point advantage over the Liberals.

“Nobody in particular is interested in an election, certainly not on our side,” Hanley said.

So, change is coming from within.

In all, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is keeping only eight ministers in their previous roles – and dropping seven from the cabinet altogether.

Unchanged are major players such as Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland and Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly.

Out are ministers such as embattled Public Safety Minister Marco Mendicino, who has endured criticism over everything from Chinese political interference to the recent transfer of Ontario serial killer Paul Bernardo to a medium-security prison north of Montreal.

Though he himself was not chosen for a spot in the cabinet, Hanley said it’s his job to represent the needs of Yukoners by communicating and engaging effectively with the new ministers.

“Part of that is relationship-building and the development of familiarity amongst the ministers,” he said. “So that I make sure northern issues and needs are addressed in the cabinet.”

Hanley highlighted the new ministers for housing and for mental health as people he is glad to see in two important and relevant positions to the issues Yukoners currently face.

He is pleased to see Sean Fraser of Central Nova, N.S., take over the Housing portfolio, which he called a strong signal of the importance Trudeau is putting on that job.

“I’m glad to see him put in a priority role,” Hanley said. “That’s another plus for us.”

Ya’ara Saks of York Centre, Ont., is taking over mental health and addictions in another change Hanley applauded, saying she is well-suited for the job.

Asked about the new minister of Crown-Indigenous relations, Scarborough-Rouge Park, Ont. MP Gary Anandasangaree, Hanley said he knows him and thinks he is a good choice for someone to fill a role he called “absolutely important” for the Yukon.

“He’s got the ability I think to meet the demands quite well,” Hanley said.

Of those staying put, Hanley said he is glad to see Dan Vandal of Saint Boniface-Saint Vital, Man., stay on as northern affairs minister.

“He’s strong in the role, he knows the North very well, he knows the Yukon very well,” Hanley said.

No representatives from the territories were chosen for cabinet positions.

Hanley said there are pros and cons to this. On the one hand, it would be nice to have a voice in cabinet debates.

On the other, he is free to disagree with the government to advocate for the needs of Yukoners.

“It’s a little bit freer this way,” he said. “Occasionally it does result in a vote that is against my own party.”