Mark Carney has officially become Canada’s 24th Prime Minister after a swearing-in ceremony presided over by Governor General Mary Simon. Only days after winning election as Liberal Party Leader, Carney took charge with a new Cabinet of 23 ministers.
In setting up his government, Carney kept a number of senior members of his predecessor Justin Trudeau’s government, including Public Safety Minister David McGuinty and Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly.
Following his swearing-in, Carney emphasized his administration’s focus on economic stability and decisive governance. “Today, we’re building a government that meets the moment,” he wrote on X. “Canadians expect action and that’s what this team will deliver. A smaller, experienced cabinet that moves faster, secures our economy, and protects Canada’s future.”
A former governor of the Bank of Canada and the Bank of England, Carney takes up leadership during an era of economic and geopolitical instability. Relations between Canada and the United States have weakened considerably, with US President Donald Trump imposing heavy tariffs on Canadian imports. The majority of Canadian products now attract a 25% tariff, with oil attracting a 10% tax, and extra tariffs on steel and aluminum, which has caused disruption in trade between the two countries. Trump has also made public declarations of plans to annex Canada as the 51st US state, further escalating tensions.
Carney’s stay is short-term as Canada is poised to conduct federal elections this year. While the Conservative Party initially seemed destined for a landslide victory, Trump’s economic policies have redefined the political terrain and closed the gap between the Conservatives and Liberals.
Liberal Party sources indicate Carney will be calling snap elections in two weeks, Reuters states. If he waits, parties of opposition are likely to unite to trigger a vote of no confidence against his government.
