Ottawa, March 10— Mark Carney, former governor of the Bank of Canada and the Bank of England, has been elected leader of the Liberal Party, setting him up to become Canada’s next Prime Minister. He replaces Justin Trudeau, who announced his resignation in January but will remain in office until Carney is sworn in.
Carney, 59, takes charge at a turbulent time, as Canada navigates economic uncertainty and growing tensions with the United States.
President Donald Trump’s ongoing trade war and controversial remarks about potentially annexing Canada have sparked nationalist sentiment across the country.
Many Canadians have responded by booing the American anthem at NHL and NBA games, canceling trips south, and avoiding American products.
The opposition Conservative Party had hoped to capitalize on Trudeau’s declining approval ratings, driven by rising food and housing costs and an increase in immigration. However, Carney’s leadership changes the political landscape ahead of a federal election expected within weeks.
Known for his crisis management skills, Carney earned global recognition for steering Canada through the 2008 financial crisis and later becoming the first foreigner to head the Bank of England. His appointment received bipartisan praise in the U.K., reinforcing his reputation as a steady hand in economic policy.
Carney now faces the challenge of leading the Liberals into an election while addressing trade disputes with Washington.
His leadership could determine how Canada responds to escalating U.S. pressure and domestic economic concerns in the coming months.
