Former central banker Mark Carney will succeed Justin Trudeau as Canada’s next prime minister, following his victory in the Liberal Party’s leadership race. Carney, 59, who has served as the governor of both the Bank of Canada and the Bank of England, will now lead the Liberal Party and take charge of the nation after Trudeau’s resignation in January.
Trudeau, who led the Liberals for over a decade and served as prime minister for nine years, faced immense pressure to step down due to declining approval ratings. In his final speech as party leader at a leadership convention in Ottawa, Trudeau expressed pride in his accomplishments but emphasized the importance of focusing on the future according to Sky News report.
“We should not dwell on the past but instead look forward to what we can achieve together in the years to come,” Trudeau said. “Let us remain steadfast, united, and dedicated to building a brighter future for Canada.”
Carney’s leadership victory was decisive, securing more than 85% of the vote, with 151,899 individuals casting ballots in the election. His main opponent, former deputy prime minister Chrystia Freeland, came in second with 11,134 votes. The newly elected leader will need to call a general election by October.
In his acceptance speech, Carney emphasized the unity of the Liberal Party and pledged to strengthen Canada’s position on the world stage. “This room is strong. This room is Canada strong,” he declared. “We are united, and we are ready to build an even better country.”
Carney’s rise to power comes amid mounting tensions with the United States, particularly in the wake of a trade dispute with President Donald Trump, whom Carney has criticized for imposing tariffs on Canada. “Canada will not bow down to a bully,” Carney asserted earlier this year, warning that the country must stand united in the face of these challenges.
Carney also expressed his belief in Canada’s distinct identity, stating, “America is a melting pot, but Canada is a mosaic. We are not America, and we will never be.”
The future under Carney’s leadership promises to tackle both internal and external challenges, with the prime minister-elect urging Canadians to unite in these difficult times.