Mark Carney, the former central banker, has emerged victorious in the contest to lead Canada’s ruling Liberal Party, positioning him to succeed Justin Trudeau as prime minister, according to official results released on Sunday.
Carney is set to assume leadership during a challenging period in Canada as the nation navigates a trade conflict with its longstanding ally, the United States, under President Donald Trump while preparing for an impending general election.
At 59 years old, Carney secured a commanding 86% of the votes cast, triumphing over former Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland in a contest that saw participation from nearly 152,000 party members.
“There is an individual attempting to undermine our economy,” Carney remarked regarding Trump, eliciting a chorus of boos from the audience at the party gathering. ” The actions taken are seen as detrimental to Canadian workers, families, and businesses.” Success for him is not an option.
“This will not be business as usual,” Carney stated. ” We are faced with the necessity to undertake actions previously unimagined, at velocities that challenge our expectations.”
In January, Trudeau revealed his decision to resign after over nine years in office, a move prompted by a significant decline in his approval ratings. This situation compelled the ruling Liberal Party to initiate a swift contest to find his successor.
This is undeniably a moment that will define the nation. Democracy should not be taken for granted. Freedom cannot be taken for granted. ” Even Canada is not guaranteed,” Trudeau stated.
Carney, a newcomer to the political arena, contended that he is uniquely positioned to rejuvenate the party and manage trade discussions with Trump, who poses a threat of imposing further tariffs that could severely impact Canada’s export-reliant economy.
In a significant move, Trudeau has enacted C$30 billion in retaliatory tariffs against the United States, a direct response to the tariffs imposed by Trump on Canada.
“Our government will maintain tariffs until we receive the respect we deserve from the Americans,” Carney stated.
The potential for a new beginning for the Liberal Party with Carney at the helm, alongside Trump’s imposition of tariffs and his provocative suggestions to incorporate Canada as the 51st state, has sparked a notable resurgence in the party’s fortunes.
As 2025 begins, the party that once lagged by 20 or more points has made a remarkable turnaround. It is now finding itself statistically neck-and-neck with the official opposition Conservatives in multiple polls under the leadership of seasoned politician Pierre Poilievre.
On Sunday, a protest unfolded outside Canada’s Parliament building in Ottawa, where dozens of Canadians displayed signs denouncing Trump, notably without mentioning domestic political issues.
“A rallying-around-the-flag moment has emerged that few could have anticipated just a year prior,” remarked Richard Johnston, a University of British Columbia politics professor. ” It appears that, at this moment, the Liberals have managed to avoid the brink of oblivion.”
Recent polls suggest that the Liberals and the Conservatives are unlikely to secure a majority government. An election is required to take place by October 20.
According to two sources within the Liberal Party, Carney is expected to announce an election soon, suggesting it could occur much sooner than anticipated.
Carney can serve as prime minister without holding a seat in the House of Commons; however, tradition suggests that he should aim to secure one at the earliest opportunity.
A recent advertisement by liberals compares Conservative leader Poilievre and former President Trump. On Sunday, Poilievre intensified his criticisms of Carney.
