Mark Carney, the former central banker, is set to be sworn in as Canada’s next prime minister on Friday, along with his newly appointed cabinet, according to an announcement from the governor general’s office on Wednesday. Carney’s ascension to the role comes after Justin Trudeau’s resignation in January, following nearly a decade in office.
At 59, Carney is a political newcomer, having previously served as the Governor of both the Bank of Canada and the Bank of England. His leadership of the Liberal Party was confirmed on Sunday when he was overwhelmingly elected with 86 percent of the vote from more than 150,000 participants.
Carney’s entry into politics comes at a time of heightened trade tensions between Canada and the United States. In his victory speech, he adopted a bold stance, asserting, “In trade as in hockey, Canada will win,” signaling his determination to defend Canadian interests. On Wednesday, Carney expressed his willingness to engage in negotiations with U.S. President Donald Trump in order to renew a trade agreement and prevent further economic disputes.
Trade relations have been strained, with the U.S. implementing a 25 percent tariff on steel and aluminum imports, to which Canada responded with retaliatory measures. Carney’s leadership marks a crucial moment as he prepares to navigate these complex trade dynamics while overseeing a transition of power in Canada.