OTTAWA, Ontario — Mark Carney, the former Central Bank Governor of Canada, has emerged victorious in the Liberal leadership race, securing his position as Canada’s next prime minister. Addressing his enthusiastic supporters, Carney declared, “Canada will never become part of America in any way, shape, or form.”
Carney achieved a remarkable 86% of the votes, totaling 131,764 out of the 151,899 cast by nearly 400,000 registered party members during the leadership election.
The newly appointed Liberal leader urged party members to brace themselves for “the most important election of our lives,” emphasizing that “the stakes have never been higher.” He asserted that Canada is the “greatest country in the world” and firmly rejected President Donald Trump’s repeated suggestions for the U.S. to annex Canada as the “51st state,” stating, “No way.”
TRUMP CRITIC MARK CARNEY POISED TO REPLACE TRUDEAU AS CANADA’S PRIME MINISTER
In response to Trump’s recent tariffs imposed on Canada, Carney expressed, “Canada will not bow down to a bully. We won’t stand by as illegal U.S. tariffs hurt our workers and their families. As Canadians, we need to face this challenge as one united team.”
Last December, outgoing Prime Minister Justin Trudeau reportedly invited Carney to take on the role of Canadian finance minister, leading to the resignation of the incumbent, Chrystia Freeland, who cited significant disagreements with the prime minister regarding Canada’s future direction.
Shortly thereafter, Trudeau announced his decision to step down as Liberal leader and prime minister, noting that if he had to engage in internal conflicts, he could not effectively lead in the upcoming general election, which is scheduled no later than October 20.
However, opposition parties are poised to push for an earlier national vote through a non-confidence motion against the Liberal minority government when Parliament reconvenes on March 24.
As reported by Canada’s Globe and Mail, Carney is expected to call a snap election the week before Parliament resumes, with the voting day potentially set for April 28 or May 5.
The new Liberal leader is anticipated to meet with Trudeau on Monday to discuss the transition, which will culminate in Carney and a streamlined Cabinet being sworn into office by Friday.
Despite the Liberals gaining a new leader with favorable polling momentum, the Conservative Party, under Pierre Poilievre, is preparing for a “change election.” Laura Kurkimaki, former deputy national campaign manager for the Conservative Party during the last federal election, stated, “We’ve had 10 years of a Liberal government, and Canadians are tired of that.”
Kurkimaki pointed out that the new Liberal leader will be running on “Trudeau’s record,” noting that although Carney was not part of Trudeau’s government, he was appointed by the Liberal Party last September to lead a task force on economic growth for Trudeau.
According to Kurkimaki, “The next election will be about who is going to make life more affordable for Canadians,” adding that developments in the U.S. significantly impact Canadian economic stability. She warned that delaying the election would give the Conservatives more time to launch damaging attack ads against Carney.
Political parties face spending limits during election periods; however, prior to the formal election period, they can spend freely on advertising. Last year, the Conservatives raised approximately $29 million, significantly outpacing the Liberals, who raised around $11 million.
In a recent interview with The Spectator, Trump commented on Poilievre, stating, “His biggest problem is he’s not a MAGA guy. … He’s not a Trump guy at all.” The Canadian Conservative leader responded on X, “Mr. President, it is true. I am not MAGA. I am for Canada First. Always. Canada has always been America’s best friend & ally. But we will NEVER be the 51st state.”
