Mark Carney’s entry into Canada’s Liberal leadership race: A challenge of recognition

Thursday 16 January 2025 - 16:04

Mark Carney, a former central banker renowned for guiding institutions through financial crises and addressing the economic dangers of climate change, has emerged as a leading candidate in the race to become the next leader of Canada’s Liberal Party. However, despite his high international profile, Carney faces a major challenge: many Canadians, even within his own party, are unfamiliar with him.

Carney, who has served as the governor of both the Bank of Canada and the Bank of England, will officially announce his candidacy at an event in Edmonton on Thursday. He is the first serious contender in the race to replace Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, whose departure will prompt a leadership contest within the Liberal Party.

Despite his prominent global role, Carney’s name recognition in Canada remains low. According to a recent poll by Abacus Data, 76% of Canadians were unable to recognize him from a photo. This compares unfavorably to Chrystia Freeland, the former finance minister, who was recognized by 51% of respondents. However, Carney’s situation has improved compared to a similar poll in July, when 93% of respondents did not know him.

The polling results highlight the work ahead for Carney’s campaign to increase his visibility within Canada. David Coletto, head of Abacus Data, noted that the new Liberal leader could gain recognition faster than the current Prime Minister, especially when they assume office.

So far, only a few candidates have officially entered the leadership contest, including MPs Chandra Arya, Jaime Battiste, and former MP Frank Baylis. Most cabinet members have opted not to run, citing the need to focus on tariffs from the United States. Freeland is expected to announce her candidacy soon. Liberal party members, who are either permanent residents or citizens over the age of 14, are eligible to vote for the new leader, who will be selected on March 9.

Carney’s candidacy is significant for the Liberal Party, as he has been courted by the party for years. Prime Minister Trudeau even attempted to recruit him as finance minister in December, a move that ultimately led to the loss of Freeland, one of Trudeau’s close allies.

On Wednesday, Liberal MP George Chahal endorsed Carney, emphasizing that he was not a career politician but a “great public servant.” This framing sought to distance Carney from the criticisms of rivals who have labeled all candidates as mere “copies of Justin” – a reference to the current leader’s unpopularity.

Meanwhile, the Conservative Party, which currently leads in national polls, has focused its attacks on Carney, dubbing him “Carbon Tax Carney” in an attempt to link him to the country’s controversial carbon tax, which the Conservatives vow to repeal.

Carney’s campaign got off to a soft start this week with an appearance on a U.S. television show, where he defended Canada’s independence and the carbon tax. His comments highlighted Canada’s need to address climate change while ensuring that citizens are not burdened by the costs.

Despite his efforts to introduce himself to a U.S. audience, some commentators questioned the decision, wondering whether Carney’s speeches, often delivered to small crowds, would resonate on a larger stage. Since Trudeau’s resignation announcement, Carney has engaged with Liberal Party members but has yet to address the broader Canadian public directly.