TORONTO โ Mark Carney, Canadaโs prime minister-in-waiting, met with outgoing leader Justin Trudeau on Monday to discuss a swift transition of power. Carney emphasized the need for a seamless transition, indicating that an announcement on the matter would be forthcoming.
In a lengthy meeting, Carney and Trudeau explored key topics such as U.S.-Canada relations and national security concerns, as well as the logistics and timing of the power handover. Carney, previously a two-term central bank governor, was chosen to lead the governing Liberal Party with a resounding 85.9% of the vote.
At 59 years old, Carney is set to replace Trudeau, who, although appointed his resignation in January, will maintain his role as prime minister until Carney is officially sworn in. There is a widespread expectation that Carney will soon call for a parliamentary election, particularly in the face of U.S. President Donald Trumpโs aggressive tariff measures and talks of annexation.
Despite having no political background, Carney brings significant experience from his tenure as a Goldman Sachs executive and his leadership at the Bank of Canada starting in 2008. His expertise was further recognized internationally in 2013 when he became the first non-citizen to lead the Bank of England since its inception, steering the U.K. through financial instability and the aftermath of Brexit.
The opposition Conservatives are keen to focus the election campaign on Trudeau, criticizing his leadership amid rising living costs and increased immigration. However, Trumpโs trade policies and controversial remarks about integrating Canada as the 51st U.S. state have inflamed Canadian nationalism, potentially boosting support for the Liberal Party in upcoming elections.
Tensions have also led to Canadian sports fans boycotting American teams and products as a form of protest. The Liberal Partyโs political standing appears to be improving, as reflected in recent opinion polls. Carney conveyed the enthusiasm present within the Liberal caucus, describing it as a dynamic and united force.
Amidst growing concerns of a trade conflict, Trump temporarily delayed imposing new tariffs on Canadian and Mexican goods but threatened additional tariffs on steel, aluminum, and other products. In response, Carney asserted on Sunday that Canadaโs retaliatory tariffs would remain until the U.S. demonstrates mutual respect, insisting that Canada will prevail.
Former New York City mayor Michael Bloomberg highlighted the significance of the U.S.-Canada relationship and expressed confidence in Carneyโs ability to reinforce these ties, describing him as a highly intelligent and competent leader on social media.