OTTAWA, March 10 (Alliance News): Mark Carney has been elected as Canada’s next prime minister after securing a decisive 85.9% victory in the Liberal Party leadership vote on Sunday.
The former central banker wasted no time in taking a strong stance against US President Donald Trump, warning that Canada faces an existential threat from its southern neighbor.
Addressing supporters in Ottawa, Carney, 59, accused the United States under Trump of seeking control over Canada’s resources, water, and land.
“The Americans want our country. Trump is attacking Canadian workers, families, and businesses. We cannot let him succeed,” he declared to a cheering crowd.
Carney will officially take over from outgoing Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in the coming days. However, with federal elections due by October, he may call a snap election as the opposition Conservatives hold a narrow lead in recent polls.
A former Bank of Canada and Bank of England governor, Carney emphasized his ability to counter Trump’s economic and political disruptions.
The US president’s trade policies and reported remarks about annexing Canada have fueled tensions between the two nations.
Polls suggest Carney is viewed as Canada’s best bet against Trump, with 43% of respondents in a recent survey backing him over Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre (34%).
However, critics point out that Carney has never held elected office, and his political inexperience could be a challenge in an impending election battle.
Trudeau, delivering his farewell speech, described Trump’s presidency as Canada’s most serious crisis, adding that “Canadians face an existential challenge from our neighbor.”
Carney will soon meet Governor General Mary Simon, King Charles III’s representative in Canada, to be formally tasked with forming a government.
