Mark Carney, former central banker , was sworn in on Friday as Canada’s prime minister. He will now attempt to steer his nation through a war of trade, threats of annexation and an expected federal elections.
Carney, aged 59, succeeds Justin Trudeau. Trudeau announced that he was resigning but remained at the helm until the Liberal Party chose a new leader. Carney will likely trigger a general elections in the next few days or weeks.
“We will never be a part of America in any shape or form.” Carney stated that America is not Canada. “We are fundamentally different.”
Trump’s declaration of economic war, and his repeated statements that Canada should be the 51st State, had seemed to set up the Liberal Party for an historic defeat in this year’s elections. Now, the party and new leader may come out on top.
Carney said that he is willing to meet Trump, if Trump shows respect for Canadian sovereignty. He has said that he does not plan to travel to Washington, but he hopes to speak with Trump soon.
“The president is an accomplished businessman who makes deals.” Carney stated that we are his biggest client in many industries. Clients expect respect, and to work together in an appropriate commercial manner.
Carney has managed crises as the Bank of England’s first non-citizen governor, and also during the 2008 Financial Crisis when he headed the Bank of Canada.
Carney is the 24th Prime Minister of Canada. He was a Goldman Sachs executive who had no political experience. He said that protecting Canadian workers, their families and the economy from unjustified trade measures and actions would be his top priority.
Carney has said he plans to travel to Europe in the next few days to meet with French President Emmanuel Macron, and U.K. Premier Keir starmer. He was invited by both.
Carney stated that diversifying our trading partners would strengthen our security.
Trump imposed 25% tariffs for Canada’s aluminum and steel, and is now threatening to impose tariffs across the board on all Canadian goods. In his annexation threat, he has threatened economic coercion and implied that the border line is a fiction.
Carney called it “crazy”.
Canadians are angry about the U.S. Trade War and Trump’s comments that Canada would become the 51st state of the United States. They are booing at NHL and NBA matches the American Anthem. Many are cancelling trips south of border and avoiding American goods whenever possible.
Carney stated that he has worked with Trump in the past at G7 and G20 Summits, during Trump’s first presidential term.
We have some common experiences. I worked in the private sector. I worked in real estate. Carney stated, “I have been involved in large transactions.” “We’ll both be looking after our countries, but he and I both know, from years of experience, that there are mutually beneficial solutions for both.”
The opposition Conservatives wanted to make this election about Trudeau. His popularity had declined due to rising food and housing costs and an increase in immigration.
After decades of bilateral stability with the U.S., Canada’s next prime minister is expected to be chosen based on the person best suited to deal effectively with this country.
He will do well. Jean Chretien, former prime minister of Canada, told reporters on Friday that he is respected around the world. He added, “But there is no magic answer.” This is not normal. “We’ve never seen a president who changed his mind every 5 minutes.”
