- Mark Carney wins Liberal leadership race and becomes Canada’s prime minister, defeating Chrystia Freeland in a landslide.
- Vows to stand up to Donald Trump over trade tariffs, saying Canada will retaliate until the U.S. shows “respect.”
- Faces criticism from Conservatives, who accuse him of being a continuation of Justin Trudeau’s leadership.
Mark Carney has emerged victorious in the race to succeed Justin Trudeau as Canada’s prime minister, pledging to confront U.S. President Donald Trump in an escalating trade war. His leadership comes at a time of deep uncertainty for the country.
The former governor of both the Bank of Canada and the Bank of England secured a landslide victory in the Liberal Party’s leadership contest, defeating three rivals.
In his victory speech, Carney, 59, launched a scathing attack on Trump, who has imposed tariffs on Canadian goods and controversially suggested that Canada should become the 51st U.S. state. “Americans should make no mistake,” Carney declared. “In trade, as in hockey, Canada will win.”
He is expected to be sworn in as prime minister in the coming days and will lead the Liberals into the next general election, which could be called within weeks.
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Carney’s rise to power is unprecedented—he has never held elected office. His ascent follows Trudeau’s resignation in January after nearly a decade in power, amid mounting dissatisfaction over a housing crisis and the rising cost of living. Facing pressure from within his own party, Trudeau stepped aside, paving the way for the leadership race.
Carney clinched victory on the first ballot, securing 85.9% of the vote, easily surpassing his closest rival, former Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland. Cheers erupted among the 1,600 Liberal Party supporters gathered in Ottawa as the results were announced. The party reported that over 150,000 members had cast their votes.
Carney will lead a minority government in parliament, with the possibility of an early general election. He could call a snap vote himself, or opposition parties may force one through a no-confidence motion later this month.
Since Trudeau’s resignation, the Liberals have experienced a remarkable political resurgence. At the start of the year, they trailed the opposition Conservatives—led by Pierre Poilievre—by more than 20 points in the polls. But as tensions with Trump escalated, Canadian voters rallied behind the Liberals, narrowing the gap. Some recent polls now show the two parties statistically tied.
A significant portion of Carney’s victory speech was dedicated to Trump’s trade policies, which he condemned as “unjustified tariffs” against Canada, the U.S.’s largest trading partner.
Last week, the U.S. imposed a 25% tariff on Canadian goods, only to partially reverse the decision days later, exempting products compliant with an existing trade agreement. In response, Canada enacted its own retaliatory tariffs, with Trudeau accusing Trump of attempting to cripple the Canadian economy.
Carney echoed those concerns, telling supporters, “Trump is attacking Canadian workers, families, and businesses. We can’t let him succeed.” His words were met with resounding boos from the crowd.
He further pledged to maintain tariffs on U.S. imports “until the Americans show us respect.” Canada’s economy, heavily dependent on U.S. trade, risks slipping into recession if Trump follows through on threats of broader tariffs.
“I know these are dark days,” Carney admitted. “Dark days brought on by a country we can no longer trust. We’re getting over the shock, but let us never forget the lessons: we have to look after ourselves and look out for each other. We need to pull together in the tough days ahead.”
Carney also addressed border security, a key issue for Trump, who has accused Canada of failing to curb the flow of migrants and fentanyl into the U.S.
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In a sharp attack on his main political rival, Carney criticised Poilievre’s perceived alignment with Trump. “Pierre Poilievre’s plan will leave us divided and ready to be conquered,” he warned. “Because a person who worships at the altar of Donald Trump will kneel before him, not stand up to him.”
Shortly before Carney took the stage, Trudeau delivered an emotional farewell speech, reflecting on his 12-year tenure as Liberal leader. He cautioned that Canada now faces an “existential challenge” from Trump’s America.
The Conservatives have shifted their strategy following Trudeau’s resignation, branding Carney as a continuation of the old regime. Poilievre’s party argues that the Liberals are trying to extend their rule through a mere change in leadership, dubbing Carney “just like Justin.”
Adding to the political drama, Conservatives have accused Carney of misleading the public about his role in relocating investment firm Brookfield Asset Management’s headquarters from Toronto to New York. While Carney maintains that the final decision was made after he left the board earlier this year, a leaked letter suggests he had recommended the move months prior.
