Ottawa, Canada – Mark Carney, former central banker, was officially sworn in as Canada’s prime minister on Friday, immediately signaling his willingness to work with U.S. President Donald Trump despite looming tariff threats that could severely impact the Canadian economy.
Carney, 59, takes over from Justin Trudeau, whose relationship with Trump was often tense and combative. In contrast, Carney made it clear he intends to adopt a more diplomatic approach.
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“We respect President Trump—he has placed important issues at the top of his agenda. We understand his priorities,” Carney told reporters after being sworn in, emphasizing his past experience working with Trump in international meetings. “In many respects, part of my experience overlaps with that of the President—we’re both looking out for our countries. But he knows, and I know from long experience, that we can find mutual solutions that benefit both sides.”
While Carney stated he had no immediate plans to speak with Trump, he firmly dismissed recent discussions within the Trump administration about annexing Canada as “crazy.”
A Reshaped Cabinet for U.S. Relations
Carney wasted no time in restructuring his 24-member cabinet, prioritizing experienced hands in international affairs. Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc will take over the international trade portfolio, while current Innovation Minister François-Philippe Champagne will step into the role of finance minister. Mélanie Joly will remain as foreign minister.
The move reflects Carney’s strategic focus on managing Canada’s fraught relationship with Washington. Canada has recently strengthened its alliances in Europe as relations with the U.S. have hit historic lows. Carney plans to visit London and Paris next week as part of this effort.
A Historic Rise to Power
Carney’s ascent to the premiership is notable as he becomes the first Canadian prime minister without significant political experience. His leadership victory on Sunday saw him decisively defeat rivals to take control of the ruling Liberal Party, replacing Trudeau after more than nine years in office.
Chrystia Freeland, the former finance minister whose surprise resignation in December triggered a political crisis that contributed to Trudeau’s downfall, will now serve as transport minister.
Carney, who previously led both the Bank of Canada and the Bank of England, successfully argued that his outsider status and crisis-management experience made him the best choice to navigate the turbulent relationship with Trump.
“We will never, ever in any way, shape, or form be part of the United States,” Carney declared, pushing back against Trump’s annexation rhetoric.
An Election on the Horizon?
Carney’s government may not be in place for long. Liberal Party insiders suggest he is likely to call a snap election within the next two weeks. If he does not, opposition parties have signaled they will unite to force a confidence vote by the end of March, which could topple his minority government.
Once an election is called, Carney’s ability to make major policy decisions will be restricted, as convention dictates that sitting governments in campaign mode refrain from significant actions.
Current polling suggests a tight race between the Liberals and the opposition Conservatives, with neither party projected to secure a majority government.
The Conservatives had previously held a significant lead in the polls, fueled by widespread dissatisfaction over rising living costs and a worsening housing crisis. Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre wasted no time in criticizing Carney’s administration.
“100% of Carney’s ministers were in Trudeau’s caucus—helping hike carbon taxes and double the debt, housing costs, and food bank lineups,” Poilievre posted on X (formerly Twitter). “A Liberal is a Liberal is a Liberal.”
As Carney navigates his first days in office, all eyes will be on his next moves—both in Ottawa and on the world stage.
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