Mark Carney has emerged as the new leader of Canada’s Liberal Party, succeeding Justin Trudeau in a high-stakes leadership race.
His election signals a new phase for the party as Canada gears up for its next federal elections, which must be held before October.
Carney, a former governor of both the Bank of Canada and the Bank of England, will now lead the Liberals into what is expected to be a fiercely contested election against the Conservative Party, currently leading in the polls.
Although Carney takes over leadership immediately, Trudeau will remain prime minister during a transitional period.
Amid rising tensions with the United States, Carney has pledged to put Canada first in trade and economic policies.
Addressing the Liberal Party convention following his victory, he assured Canadians that his administration would forge new trading partnerships while maintaining retaliatory tariffs on American imports.
“New threats demand new ideas and a new plan,” Carney declared. “Canada will never be part of the U.S.”
His remarks come at a time when U.S. President Donald Trump has imposed steep tariffs on Canadian imports, citing concerns over illegal immigration and fentanyl trafficking.
Trump has also repeatedly blamed Canada for border issues and even made controversial remarks about turning the country into the 51st U.S. state.
Carney, however, remains resolute. “He’s attacking Canadian families, workers, and businesses, and we cannot let him succeed—and we won’t,” he asserted.
The ongoing trade disputes have fueled tensions across Canadian society.
Fans at NHL and NBA games in Canada have been booing the U.S. national anthem, reflecting growing public frustration with America’s approach to trade and diplomacy.
Carney’s leadership marks a critical moment for Canada as he seeks to unify the country against external pressures while strengthening domestic economic policies.
He faces a tough opponent in Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, who has drawn comparisons to Trump but now distances himself from the former U.S. president.
At a rally ahead of the Liberal vote, Poilievre criticized Carney’s credentials, claiming that his economic policies had benefited the U.S. more than Canada.
“Working for Trudeau, Carney made Canada weaker and poorer; working for himself, Carney made the United States richer and stronger,” Poilievre remarked.
Carney, in response, dismissed Poilievre’s claims, saying, “Donald Trump thinks he can weaken us with his plan to divide and conquer. Pierre Poilievre’s plan will leave us divided and ready to be conquered.”
As he prepares to step down, Trudeau has urged Canadians to recognize the challenges posed by U.S. policies and to rally behind a government that prioritizes national interests.
“This is a nation-defining moment,” Trudeau stated at the Liberal leadership convention. “And now, as Canadians face from our neighbor an existential challenge, an economic crisis, Canadians are showing exactly what we are made of.”
With the next federal election approaching, Carney’s leadership will be tested as he works to strengthen Canada’s economy, reinforce its independence, and challenge U.S. policies that threaten Canadian interests.
