Mark Carney will become Canada’s next prime minister after seeing a huge boost in support since Donald Trump took office again. The ex-Bank of England chief openly critiqued the US president during his victory speech, taking aim at the imposed tariffs on Canadian goods and his call to claim Canada as the 51st US state. He said: “Americans should make no mistake – in trade, as in hockey, Canada will win.”
Mr Carney is anticipated to be officially sworn in shortly and will spearhead the Liberal Party into the next elections, currently holding the title of prime minister-designate. The Liberal leadership contest kicked off this January when Justin Trudeau bowed out after nearly ten years of leadership, following voter dissatisfaction caused by the national housing crisis and soaring living costs.
Mr Carney clinched the leadership on Sunday night, seizing 85.9% of votes and putting him comfortably ahead of his closest rival Chrystia Freeland.
He’s now set to lead a minority government, and faces the prospect of either calling an early general election or a no-confidence vote instigated by opposition parties later this month.
The new PM devoted much of his speech to condemning Mr Trump’s “unjustified tariffs” on Canada – America’s most significant trading partner.
Last Tuesday, the US slapped a 25% tariff on Canadian exports, only to backtrack days later, exempting goods that comply with a pre-existing trade deal.
In retaliation, Canada imposed its own tariffs, as Mr Trudeau accused the US leader of attempting to undermine the Canadian economy.
Mr Carney accused Mr Trump of “attacking Canadian workers, families, and businesses”. He added: “We can’t let him succeed.” He vowed to maintain tariffs on American imports “until the Americans show us respect”.
Canada’s economy is heavily reliant on US trade, sparking fears of a recession if the tariff threats come to fruition. Mr Carney said: “I know these are dark days. Dark days brought on by a country we can no longer trust.
“We’re getting over the shock, but let us never forget the lessons: we have to look after ourselves and we have to look out for each other. We need to pull together in the tough days ahead.”
