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Carney New Canadian PM
Mark Carney has won the leadership of Canada's Liberal party, setting him up to become the country's next prime minister amid a trade war with the US.
Mark Carney Photo from LinkedIn
Mark Carney, the former governor of the Bank of Canada and Bank of England, has won the leadership of Canada's federal Liberal party, paving the way for him to become the country's next prime minister. Carney's victory comes at a critical time, as Canada is embroiled in a potentially catastrophic trade war with its closest ally and largest trading partner, the United States.
Last week, US President Donald Trump announced a 25% tax on all Canadian goods, excluding the automotive and energy sectors. The tariffs have sparked outrage among Canadians and threaten to push the country's fragile economy into recession. Carney has vowed to take a strong stance against the US, saying “America is not Canada. And Canada never, ever, will be part of America in any way, shape or form.”
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Carney's leadership campaign focused on his economic expertise and his ability to navigate the complex trade relationship with the US. He has promised to keep tariffs on US goods until the Americans "show us respect." Carney has also attacked the Conservative leader, Pierre Poilievre, calling him a "career politician" who is running a deeply divisive campaign.
The Liberal party has seen a significant rebound in the polls in recent weeks, with Carney's leadership expected to further boost the party's fortunes. The shift in the polls has been so dramatic that pollsters have struggled to find any historical precedent. A snap election is expected to be called soon, with Carney likely to face off against Poilievre.
Carney's path to power is unusual, as he will be only the second prime minister in Canadian history without a seat in the House of Commons. He has promised to put his substantial assets into a blind trust immediately and has hinted at running for a federal seat in Alberta, the province where he grew up.
Outgoing Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has congratulated Carney on his victory, saying he is "damn proud" of his government's legacy. Trudeau has warned of a "dangerous time" for the country, saying “this is a nation-defining moment. Democracy is not a given. Freedom is not a given. Even Canada is not a given.”
