Mark Carney sworn in as Canada’s Prime Minister as Trudeau steps down amid U.S. tensionsMark Carney sworn in as Canada’s Prime Minister as Trudeau steps down amid U.S. tensions
Mark Carney has officially taken office as Canada’s prime minister, succeeding Justin Trudeau at a time when the country is grappling with sovereignty concerns raised by U.S. President Donald Trump and escalating trade tensions with its largest economic partner, the United States.
A former central banker with no prior political experience in Canada, Carney now faces the task of steering the Liberal Party into an election later this year while addressing the nation’s pressing challenges.
His swearing-in followed Trudeau’s resignation earlier on Friday, marking the end of nearly a decade in power.
Trudeau had announced his intention to step down in January amid declining poll numbers for the Liberal Party. However, support for the party has since rebounded, fueled in part by growing Canadian resistance to Trump’s policies.
In a farewell message on X, Trudeau expressed gratitude to Canadians, saying, “Thank you, Canada – for trusting in me, for challenging me, and for granting me the privilege to serve the best country, and the best people, on earth.”
Carney, who previously led both the Bank of Canada and the Bank of England, was elected leader of the Liberal Party in a landslide victory on March 9. With decades of experience guiding economies through global crises, he now aims to apply his expertise to governing Canada.
Despite being courted by the Liberals for over a decade, Carney only formally entered politics following Trudeau’s resignation.
Notably, unlike his competitors, he takes office without holding a seat in parliament—an uncommon scenario in Canadian politics.