Toronto, March 14, 2025: Mark Carney was sworn in as Canada’s prime minister on Friday, stepping into leadership at a critical moment as tensions escalate with the United States over trade and sovereignty concerns under President Donald Trump.
Carney, a former central banker with no prior political experience in Canada, succeeds Justin Trudeau, who resigned earlier in the day after nearly a decade in office. His appointment comes as Canada braces for an increasingly strained relationship with its largest trading partner, exacerbated by Trump’s aggressive trade policies and rhetoric questioning Canadian sovereignty.
Carney now faces the immediate challenge of stabilizing U.S.-Canada relations while leading the Liberal Party into an election later this year. His leadership bid gained momentum after Trudeau announced his resignation in January, at a time when the Liberals were trailing in the polls. However, growing Canadian opposition to Trump’s policies has since boosted the party’s standing.
In a farewell message on X, Trudeau thanked Canadians: “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 the Bank of Canada and the Bank of England, was elected Liberal Party leader in a landslide on March 9. Having guided economies through major global crises, he now seeks to apply his expertise to Canada’s domestic and international challenges. His transition to politics is unconventional, as he assumes the role of prime minister without holding a parliamentary seat.
In his new cabinet, former finance minister Chrystia Freeland, who ran against Carney for Liberal leadership, has been appointed transport minister.
