On Friday, Mark Carney officially became Canada’s prime minister, taking the premiership at a time of increased tensions with the United States under President Donald Trump. Carney is a former central banker without any previous elected experience and was picked by the ruling Liberal Party to take over from Justin Trudeau, who resigned after almost a decade in office. His new role comes as Canada deals with U.S. tariffs on steel, aluminum, and other goods, along with Trump’s statements about making Canada the 51st state.
Carney, who led the Bank of Canada during the 2008 financial crisis and then after that the Bank of England, has said that he is willing to handle trade disputes with the US while maintaining Canadian sovereignty. He will be appointing people in his smaller cabinet to oversee US relations. Political analysts are pointing out that the elections between the Liberals and Conservatives in Canada are getting tighter as an election nears, with Trump’s statements and policies shifting voter priorities.
Carney has taken a step to get rid of some of Trudeau’s policies, such as by getting rid of the carbon tax on households and stopping a proposed capital gains tax, opting for market-driven climate solutions and economic incentives instead. Trudeau, who was unpopular by his departure, expressed pride in his service as he exited the stage from Canada's premiership.
Carney’s first international trip as prime minister will be to Europe. His leadership means that Canada will now rely on centrist strategies, with Carney's technocratic background perhaps helping him in negotiating with the US regarding trade. However, his unproven political acumen will be definitely tested during his premiership.