TORONTO (AP) — Mark Carney, Canada’s incoming prime minister, met with outgoing leader Justin Trudeau on Monday, assuring a smooth and expedited transition of power.
Carney, who secured the leadership of the governing Liberal Party with an overwhelming 85.9% vote on Sunday, held extensive discussions with Trudeau covering U.S.-Canada relations, national security concerns, and the logistics of the handover.
“That transition will be seamless and it will be quick,” Carney stated, indicating that further details would be announced shortly.
At 59, Carney is set to succeed Trudeau, who announced his resignation in January but remains in office until his successor is formally sworn in. The new prime minister is expected to call a parliamentary election in the near future, particularly in light of U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent trade policies and annexation rhetoric. Alternatively, opposition parties could precipitate an election through a no-confidence vote later this month.
A seasoned economist and former Goldman Sachs executive, Carney has no prior political experience. However, he brings extensive leadership credentials, having served as Governor of the Bank of Canada during the 2008 financial crisis and later as the first non-British Governor of the Bank of England, where he played a key role in mitigating the economic fallout from Brexit. His tenure in both positions earned him bipartisan respect in Canada and the U.K.
The opposition Conservative Party had initially sought to focus the upcoming election campaign on Trudeau’s declining popularity, driven by rising living costs and increasing immigration rates. However, recent U.S. trade tensions and Trump’s inflammatory remarks about Canada have sparked a surge in Canadian nationalism, reshaping the political landscape. Public frustration has manifested in widespread booing of the American national anthem at NHL and NBA games, reduced travel to the U.S., and consumer efforts to avoid American-made products.
This surge in national sentiment has strengthened the Liberal Party’s position in the polls, fueling optimism within its ranks. “There is tremendous energy in the Liberal caucus,” Carney said. “This is a united party full of energy.”
Trump recently postponed imposing 25% tariffs on various Canadian and Mexican goods for a month, amid concerns of escalating trade tensions. However, he has signaled the possibility of additional tariffs on steel, aluminum, dairy, and other industries. In response, Carney affirmed that Canada’s initial retaliatory tariffs will remain in place until the U.S. demonstrates greater diplomatic respect.
“We didn’t start this fight, but we will win it,” Carney declared.
Meanwhile, billionaire and former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg emphasized the strategic importance of U.S.-Canada relations, expressing confidence in Carney’s ability to navigate the challenges ahead. “Mark is one of the smartest, most capable, and steady-handed leaders I know,” Bloomberg posted on X.
As Canada prepares for a new chapter in leadership, Carney’s economic acumen and crisis management experience will be central to his approach in tackling domestic and international challenges.
Source:https://apnews.com/article/
