Mark Carney, the former governor of the Bank of Canada, won the Liberal Party leadership in a Sunday vote. He will be the next prime minister ahead of federal elections, which are expected to be announced soon. Photo courtesy Liberal Party/X
March 10 (UPI) — Mark Carney, the former governor of the Bank of Canada, was overwhelmingly elected the leader of the Liberal Party and the Great White North’s next prime minister on Sunday as the country confronts a trade war with the United States.
Carney, 59, was elected to head the left-leaning Liberal Party and will replace outgoing Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who announced his resignation in January.
He is expected to soon call for federal elections, where he will go up against right-leaning Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre — who has received the endorsement from President Donald Trump’s close associate Elon Musk — and the left-leaning New Democratic Party leader, Jagmeet Singh.
During his victory speech in Ottawa, Carney projected an image of unity within his Liberal Party, which is emerging from a moment of turmoil that preceded the January resignation of the divisive Trudeau as several parliamentarians called for him to step down and the Conservative Party appeared poised to trounce them in federal elections that must be held before Oct. 20.
“This room is strong. This room is Canada strong,” he said.
“I pledge to you and all Canadians that I will follow their example,” he added, referring to Trudeau and former Prime Minister Jean Chrétien. “I will work day and night with one purpose, which is to build a stronger Canada for everyone.”
Carney won in a landslide, securing nearly 86% of the vote, according to a statement from the Liberal Party. Chrystia Freeland — Trudeau’s deputy prime minister who resigned in December, prompting calls for her former boss to resign — finished in a distant second with 8%.
“Tonight, our party made its choice. And while it is not the result I had hoped for, I accept it with an open heart and deep respect for the will of Liberals across Canada,” Freeland, who attended Carney’s victory speech, said in a statement congratulating Carney on his victory and endorsing him in the upcoming federal election.
“This race brought forward fresh ideas, renewed energy and unity in our party. You have my full support as we forge a new path for the Liberal Party of Canada — and for our country.”
Though only the second prime minister to not hold a seat in Parliament, Carney’s resume is extensive, having served as the governor of the Bank of Canada during the 2008 financial crisis and aiding Britain at the Bank of England through Brexit and the ensuing political and economic crises. He was also the U.N. Special Envoy for Climate Action and Finance.
The economist was elected amid a turbulent time between Canada and its largest trading partner,