After a landslide win in Canada’s Federal Election, Mark Carney will replace Justin Trudeau as the country’s next Prime Minister. On March 9, Carney won the election to become leader of the Canadian Liberal Party overwhelmingly, gaining about 86% of the vote.
Trudeau resigned from his role in January. At the time, the former-Prime Minister stated his reasoning for resignation:
“As you all know, I am a fighter, and I am not someone who backs away from a fight, particularly when a fight is as important as this one is. But I have always been driven by my love for Canada, by my desire to serve Canadians and by what is in the best of Canadians and Canadians deserve a real choice in the next election. And it has become obvious to me — with the internal battles — that I cannot be the one to carry the Liberal standard into the next election.”
Prior to his election, Carney was Governor of the Bank of England from 2008 – 2013 (doing so as a non-citizen). Thereafter, he headed the Bank of Canada from 2013 – 2020. Prior to his election he was an advisor to Justin Trudeau. Carney has not held any political position.
In Carney’s post-election speech, rhetoric of caution toward the US was prevalent. He warned Canadians about US President Donald Trump and the perceived threat he poses to the country. The Prime Minister claims that Trump is trying to weaken the Canadian economy by “attacking Canadian workers, families, and businesses” through tariffs.
Carney also praised the counter-responses Canadian provinces have made against US tariffs. Notable among these is Ontario, which issued a 25% surcharge on electricity exports to New York, Michigan, and Minnesota.
Carney expressed commitment to counter-tariff measures against the US going into the future.
“My government will keep our tariffs on until the Americans show us respect … And make credible, reliable commitments to free and fair trade. In the meantime, we will ensure that all proceeds from our tariffs will be used to protect our workers… The Americans want our resources, our water, our land, our country…America is not Canada. And Canada never, ever, will be part of America in any way, shape, or form.”
President Trump has not commented on the election of Carney.
