By Dupe Olaoye-Osinkolu
Ottawa, Canada
Mark Carney, former governor of the Central Bank of Canada and the Central Bank of England, has been elected leader of Canada’s Liberal Party. He is set to succeed outgoing Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
Speaking at his victory event in Ottawa yesterday, Carney promised to stand firm against U.S. President Donald Trump, vowing to protect Canada’s economy from American policies he described as hostile.
“Our nation faces dark days, brought on by a country we can no longer trust,” Carney declared.
He pledged to maintain retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods, stating, “Americans must show us respect.”
In a speech delivered in both English and French, Carney emphasized his commitment to economic reforms, including eliminating the carbon tax on families and small businesses and halting a planned capital gains tax increase.
“My government will put more money in people’s pockets, make our companies more competitive, and build the strongest economy in the G7,” he said.
Carney accused Trump of imposing unfair tariffs on Canadian industries, calling it an attack on Canadian families, workers, and businesses.
“Canada did not ask for this fight, but Canadians are always ready when someone else drops the gloves,” he said, drawing a hockey analogy. “In trade, as in hockey, Canada will win.”
Carney also warned against voting for Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre, portraying him as unprepared to handle national security and economic threats.
“Poilievre is a lifelong politician who worships at the altar of the free market but has never run a business himself,” Carney said. “At a time of unprecedented economic and security challenges, he refuses to get a security clearance, undermines the Bank of Canada, and ignores climate change.”
Carney argued that Canada must govern markets effectively to ensure prosperity for all, not just the wealthy few.
“We must help those hit hardest by American tariffs while building our strength at home. That’s the right thing to do. That’s the Canadian thing to do.”
Carney laid out his vision for a strong and united Canada, emphasizing investment in housing, energy, and trade partnerships beyond the U.S.
“Donald Trump seeks to divide and conquer. Poilievre’s plan will leave Canada divided and vulnerable,” he said. “We need a plan that strengthens our economy, builds millions of homes, and makes Canada an energy superpower.”
He pledged to fight for universal health care, child care, dental care, and pharmacare, insisting that economic strength is key to social progress.
“These are dark days, but we are Canada. We look after ourselves, and we look out for each other. We will get through this crisis—stronger than ever,” he added.
Born in Fort Smith, Northwest Territories, and raised in Edmonton, Alberta, Carney holds a degree from Harvard and a doctorate from Oxford. He has served in key financial roles, including as Governor of the Bank of Canada and the Bank of England, helping navigate the global financial crisis, Brexit, and the early COVID-19 pandemic.
Before entering politics, he worked in impact investing and climate finance, advising the United Nations and the Canadian government. In early 2025, he announced his bid for the Liberal leadership, securing a decisive victory in March.
Carney is married to British economist Diana Fox Carney, and they have four children.
0
