Canada Set to Appoint New Prime Minister Amid Trade War with the U.S.
Canada is on the verge of a major political shift as the ruling Liberal Party prepares to elect its new leader on Sunday. Mark Carney, a 59-year-old former central banker with no prior political experience, is the clear frontrunner to succeed Justin Trudeau as Prime Minister. His biggest challenge? Confronting Donald Trump’s escalating trade war.
A High-Stakes Transition
Carney is expected to take office in the coming days, following a formal transition of power. His immediate priorities will include forming a new government and preparing for the next federal election, which is scheduled for October but could be called sooner.
The Liberal Party, once trailing by more than 20 points in January due to economic struggles and soaring inflation, has since regained ground. Recent polls now show a tight race between the Liberals and the opposition Conservatives.
Carney’s main rival in the leadership race, former Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland, appears to have lost momentum after resigning from Trudeau’s government, citing disagreements over handling Trump’s trade threats.
A Showdown with Trump
Trump’s administration has imposed tariffs on Canadian goods and repeatedly suggested that Canada should become the “51st U.S. state.” These provocations have fueled frustration among Canadians, many of whom are now boycotting American products and avoiding travel south of the border.
In this tense climate, Carney presents himself as a crisis manager with extensive economic expertise, a stark contrast to Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, whose populist rhetoric resembles Trump’s. According to an Angus Reid poll, 43% of Canadians favor Carney to take on Trump, compared to 34% who back Poilievre.
As Canada braces for a new political era, all eyes are on Carney to see how he navigates this high-stakes moment.