Mark Carney has officially assumed office as Canada’s 24th Prime Minister, stepping into leadership during a period of heightened friction with the United States.
His swearing-in ceremony took place in Ottawa on Friday, marking the beginning of his tenure at a critical political juncture.
His appointment follows the deterioration of US-Canada relations since President Donald Trump returned to power.
The US has imposed heavy tariffs on Canadian imports and has repeatedly threatened further trade sanctions, even suggesting that Canada could be annexed.
Carney acknowledged these challenges, describing Trump’s stance as one of the most significant issues Canada has faced in decades.
“Everything in my life has prepared me for this moment,” Carney said on Sunday after securing the Liberal Party leadership.
At 60, he is a political newcomer with no prior experience in elected office.
However, his supporters believe his expertise in global financial crises, including his leadership at the Bank of Canada during the 2008-2009 economic downturn and his tenure at the Bank of England during Brexit, will help navigate potential trade conflicts.
Carney’s leadership comes as Canada approaches a general election, with US trade relations expected to be a dominant issue.
His public image as a trustworthy figure capable of standing up to Trump has resonated with many Canadians, particularly as the Liberal Party closes the gap with the Conservatives following Justin Trudeau’s resignation in January.
Canada’s Foreign Minister, Mélanie Joly, expressed confidence in Carney’s ability to reshape diplomacy with the US.
Speaking before his swearing-in, Joly revealed that she and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who is attending the G7 summit, were working on setting up a call between Trump and Carney “in the next couple of days.”
Carney has positioned himself as the ideal leader to handle a trade war, stressing Canadian sovereignty in any future trade negotiations.
During a recent visit to a steel plant in Ontario, he reaffirmed this stance while making efforts to distance himself from his predecessor.
In a move to appeal to centrist voters, Carney has pledged to address climate change while rejecting Trudeau’s carbon tax on individuals and families.
His leadership is set to define Canada’s political landscape as the country prepares for an election that will likely be shaped by its tense relations with the US.