**Mark Carney Wins Liberal Party Leadership, Set to Become Canada’s Next Prime Minister**
Former central banker Mark Carney has been elected as the new leader of Canada’s ruling Liberal Party, according to official results announced on Sunday. Carney, 59, secured an overwhelming 85.9% of the votes cast in the leadership race, defeating former Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland. He is set to succeed Justin Trudeau as Canada’s next prime minister.
Carney’s victory comes at a critical juncture for Canada, as the country faces a trade war with the United States under President Donald Trump and prepares for an upcoming general election. In his acceptance speech, Carney took aim at Trump, accusing him of undermining Canada’s economy. “There’s someone who’s trying to weaken our economy,” Carney said, prompting loud boos from the crowd. “He’s attacking Canadian workers, families, and businesses. We can’t let him succeed.”
Carney emphasized that his leadership would bring significant changes. “This won’t be business as usual,” he declared. “We will have to do things that we haven’t imagined before, at speeds we didn’t think possible.”
Trudeau, who announced his resignation in January after more than nine years in office, reflected on the gravity of the moment during his farewell address. “Make no mistake, this is a nation-defining moment. Democracy is not a given. Freedom is not a given. Even Canada is not a given,” he said.
A political newcomer, Carney argued that his unique background made him the best candidate to revitalize the Liberal Party and navigate complex trade negotiations with the Trump administration. Trump has threatened additional tariffs that could severely impact Canada’s export-reliant economy. In response, Trudeau’s government imposed C$30 billion in retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods. Carney pledged to maintain a tough stance, stating, “My government will keep our tariffs on until the Americans show us respect.”
Carney’s election marks a historic moment, as he becomes the first Canadian prime minister without a traditional political background. Previously, he served as the governor of two G7 central banks—Canada and England—a experience he believes equips him to handle Trump’s aggressive policies.
The Liberal Party, which trailed the opposition Conservatives by more than 20 points at the start of 2025, has seen a remarkable resurgence under Carney’s leadership. Recent polls show the Liberals statistically tied with the Conservatives, led by career politician Pierre Poilievre. This shift has been attributed to a “rally-around-the-flag” effect, fueled by Trump’s tariffs and his provocative remarks about annexing Canada as the 51st U.S. state.
Richard Johnston, a politics professor at the University of British Columbia, noted the unexpected turnaround. “There is a rallying-around-the-flag moment that we would never have predicted a year ago,” he said. “I think it’s probably true as we speak that the Liberals have been saved from oblivion.”
Despite the improved polling, neither the Liberals nor the Conservatives are projected to secure a majority government in the upcoming election, which must be held by October 20. Two Liberal Party sources indicated that Carney is likely to call an election in the coming weeks, potentially moving the timeline forward.
While Carney can legally serve as prime minister without a seat in the House of Commons, tradition dictates that he should seek to win one as soon as possible. Meanwhile, the political rivalry between Carney and Poilievre has intensified. The Liberals have sought to draw parallels between Poilievre and Trump in recent advertisements, while Poilievre has ramped up his criticisms of Carney.
As Canada prepares for a new chapter under Carney’s leadership, the nation faces significant challenges, including navigating its strained relationship with the U.S. and addressing domestic economic concerns. Carney’s ability to unite the country and deliver on his promises will be closely watched in the months ahead.
