Philippe Couillard set to shuffle his cabinet

Quebec Premier Philippe Couillard will shuffle his cabinet on Thursday, a move that is expected to bring more women and younger ministers into positions of power.

Couillard returned Tuesday nightfrom an economic mission in Milan. He was to meet with his caucus Wednesday morning.

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Couillard has indicated that he wants his new cabinet to include more women, younger members and better regional representation.

A Radio-Canada source said the shuffle is intended to make his cabinet more "dynamic" and "open a new chapter."

Since winning a majority in 2014, Couillard has had to replace two ministers: Public Security Minister Lise Thriault, who went on sick leave last October and has not returned, and Education Minister Yves Bolduc, who resigned in February 2015.

Public Securitywas given to Municipal Affairs MinisterPierre Moreauin Thriault's absence and Franois Blais took over as Quebec's education minister.

LiseThriault was also deputy premier.According to Radio-Canada sources,Lise Thriaultcouldbe shuffled out of thatrole.

On Thursday afternoon, one of thenames circulating for the job was Kathleen Weil, who is currentlyMinister of Immigration, Diversity and Inclusiveness.

But by Thursday evening, sources were refuting that Weil would be named deputy premier.

Some analysts said that such a move would have been a nod to the anglophone community, which has recently been angered by Bill 86,the government's proposed legislation to abolish school board elections.

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The first public hearinginto Bill86 was scheduled for Thursdaybutwas cancelleddue to the cabinet shuffle, which isexpected to take place Thursday at 10 a.m.

Newdates for the hearings into Bill 86 have yet to be announced.