Mark Carney was officially sworn in as Canada’s 24th prime minister on Friday, stepping into the role at a time of economic uncertainty and rising tensions with the United States under President Donald Trump.
Carney, 59, takes over from Justin Trudeau, who announced his resignation in January but remained in office until the ruling Liberal Party selected a new leader. With a federal election expected soon, Carney will now work to rally support while addressing the escalating trade conflict with the US.
The new prime minister made it clear that Canada will stand firm against Trump’s aggressive trade policies and his suggestion that Canada should become the 51st US state. He stressed that Canada is an independent nation and will not be swayed by external pressures.
Carney, a former governor of both the Bank of Canada and the Bank of England, is known for his crisis management skills. He led Canada through the 2008 financial crisis and played a key role in stabilizing the UK economy after Brexit. Now, he faces the challenge of navigating a growing trade war, with Trump imposing tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum and threatening further restrictions.
Despite tensions, Carney has expressed a willingness to negotiate with Trump if the US president respects Canadian sovereignty. He is not planning an immediate visit to Washington but hopes to speak with Trump soon. In the meantime, he will travel to Europe for meetings with French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to strengthen trade relationships beyond North America.
Public frustration over Trump’s trade policies and annexation rhetoric has fueled a surge in Canadian nationalism, boosting support for Carney’s Liberal Party ahead of the expected election. Many Canadians have responded by boycotting American goods and canceling trips to the US.
Carney’s newly appointed Cabinet is smaller than Trudeau’s, with 13 men and 11 women. Key figures include François-Philippe Champagne as finance minister, Mélanie Joly remaining as foreign minister, and Chrystia Freeland, who lost to Carney in the Liberal leadership race, taking on a new role as minister of transport and internal trade.
With the election looming and tensions with the US at an all-time high, Carney’s leadership will be tested as he works to protect Canadian interests and steer the country through this uncertain period.