Mark Carney to replace Justin Trudeau as Canada's prime minister

Monday 10 March 2025 - 09:06

By: Zahouani Ilham

Mark Carney to replace Justin Trudeau as Canada's prime minister

The ruling party in Canada has elected Mark Carney as its new leader and future Prime Minister at a critical moment for the country, as it faces "dark days" due to threats from its powerful neighbor, the United States under Donald Trump.

After receiving an extended ovation from party members, Carney wasted no time in condemning the actions of the Republican president. “Americans want our resources, our water, our land, our country,” he warned in his victory speech.

Tensions between the two nations have escalated since Trump imposed tariffs on Canadian products and repeatedly stated his desire for Canada to become the "51st U.S. state."

“These are dark days, dark days caused by a country (the United States) that we can no longer trust,” Carney declared, emphasizing the need to prevent Trump from prevailing.

A 59-year-old former central banker and political newcomer, Carney has pledged to "build a new economy and establish new trade relationships." He will officially assume office in the coming days following a transition with outgoing Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who announced his resignation in early January after nearly a decade in power.

However, Carney's tenure may be short-lived, as Canada is scheduled to hold elections by October at the latest, though they could be called earlier. On Sunday, he secured a decisive 85.9% of the Liberal Party's vote, far ahead of former Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland, who received just 8%. Throughout his campaign, Carney emphasized his preparedness to confront Trump, asserting that his entire career had led him to this moment.

At the convention center in Ottawa, where large Canadian flags were displayed under red lighting—the color of the party—supporters erupted in celebration upon hearing the results.

For party member Sean Cruz, the outcome represents hope. "This is a great result. We need a new face in government and within the Liberal Party," he said.

Dressed in red, Luzminda Longkines expressed her satisfaction at having a strong party to counter the Conservatives, who claim that "the country is broken." “That’s false, and Donald Trump has just united our country—we now have a common enemy!” she exclaimed.

In his farewell speech, Justin Trudeau also warned of the challenges ahead, calling Trump's actions an "existential threat" to Canada. “Freedom is not guaranteed, not even in Canada,” he cautioned.

As he prepares for upcoming elections, Carney must also unite his party. “He is seen as the only candidate who gives the Liberals a real chance of winning the next election,” said Cameron D. Anderson of Western University.

Until recently, Canadian voters had grown disillusioned with the Liberals, blaming them for high inflation, a housing crisis, and struggling public services. However, Trump’s return to the political scene has reshaped the landscape.

A self-described centrist, Carney was recently a United Nations special envoy for climate finance. He holds degrees from Harvard and Oxford, built his fortune as an investment banker at Goldman Sachs, and later served as Governor of both the Bank of Canada and the Bank of England.

According to an Angus Reid poll published Wednesday, Carney is the preferred choice among Canadians to face Trump, with 43% support compared to 34% for Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre.

Poilievre, who had gained significant momentum in recent months, now appears to be losing ground in this shifting political environment, though the Conservative Party still leads slightly in voter intentions.