Ottawa: Mark Carney was sworn in as Canada’s 24th prime minister in a rapid political ascent, pledging to uphold the country’s sovereignty amid growing tensions with the United States. Addressing a crowd outside Rideau Hall, Carney firmly ignored any possibility of Canada becoming part of the U.S. in response to recent annexation rhetoric from Donald Trump.
Carney declared that, “We will never, in any shape or form, be part of the U.S. We are very fundamentally a different country.” Carney emphasised Canada’s expectation for “respect” from its southern neighbour while expressing hope for cooperation with the Trump administration.
Carney, a former governor of the Bank of Canada and the Bank of England, secured a decisive 85.9 percent victory in the Liberal leadership race, surpassing former finance minister Chrystia Freeland, ex-government house leader Karina Gould, and former MP Frank Baylis. Despite his political inexperience and lack of a seat in the House of Commons, Carney now faces the immediate challenge of governing with economic turmoil.
His tenure begins as Canada grapples with an escalating trade war with the U.S. Experts warn that prolonged American tariffs could push Canada’s fragile economy into a recession, creating widespread economic instability.
My remarks outside of Rideau Hall. Mon allocution devant Rideau Hall. https://t.co/xqmwRmQwJ1
— Mark Carney (@MarkJCarney) March 14, 2025
Carney is expected to call an election in the coming days, a move seen as both a political necessity and a strategic response to the economic crisis. As a prime minister without a parliamentary seat, Carney is unable to attend House of Commons sessions, adding urgency to a snap election.
The potential economic fallout of U.S. tariffs has dominated political discourse. Washington’s stance was underscored by Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s controversial remark that Canada would be “better as the 51st state.” Carney dismissed the statement as “crazy.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy congratulated Carney, reaffirming strong bilateral ties. Zelenskyy stated that, “I am grateful to Canada for its unwavering support in deterring Russia’s military aggression.”
Carney’s newly announced cabinet recalls a mix of continuity and change. Notably, former finance minister Dominic LeBlanc has been reassigned to international trade, while François-Philippe Champagne takes over as finance minister. Mélanie Joly remains as foreign affairs minister, and Bill Blair continues as minister of national defence.
Freeland, Carney’s former leadership rival, returns to cabinet as transport minister, a significant reassignment given her prior roles as deputy prime minister and finance minister. Meanwhile, key Trudeau allies, including former health minister Mark Holland and immigration minister Marc Miller, were left out.
Carney takes office as the Liberals experience a sharp rebound in public support. Recent polling by Abacus Data shows the Conservatives’ lead has narrowed to 38 percent, with the Liberals climbing to 34 percent. The once-anticipated Conservative majority now appears uncertain.
Further polling suggests Carney is perceived as stronger than his Conservative counterparts in key leadership attributes, such as standing up to external pressure and managing household expenses.
Former Prime Minister Jean Chrétien expressed confidence in Carney’s leadership. Jean Chrétien stated that, “He is respected internationally.” With an election looming and economic tensions escalating, Carney’s tenure begins at a critical moment for Canada’s political and economic stability.
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