Former Bank of England governor Mark Carney has been elected as Canada’s new prime minister by the country’s governing party amid a trade war with the United States.
Mr Carney succeeded former PM Justin Trudeau on Sunday as both Liberal Party chief and head of the country’s government with 85.9 per cent of the votes cast by 150,000 members.
The 59-year-old will have to negotiate with US President Donald Trump as he threatens additional tariffs that could cripple Canada’s economy.
He hit out at Mr Trump for “attacking Canadian families” and wanting to “destroy the Canadian way of life”, describing the US president’s tariffs and threats as the “greatest crisis of our lifetime”.
“There is someone who is trying to weaken our economy. Donald Trump. Donald Trump has put unjustified tariffs on what we build, sell and how we make a living,” he said.
“The Canadian government has rightly retaliated with tariffs. We will keep our tariffs on until the Americans show us respect.
“We did not ask for this fight. But Canadians are always ready when someone else drops the gloves. Make no mistake, Canada will win.”
He then turned his attack on Canadian opposition leader Pierre Poilievre, who he said “worships at the altar of Donald Trump.”
Mr Trudeau announced in January that he would step down after more than nine years in power as his approval rating plummeted, forcing the ruling Liberal Party to run a quick contest to replace him.
Mr Carney has said his experience as the first person to serve as the governor of two central banks – Canada and England – meant he was the best candidate to deal with Mr Trump.
He said he supported dollar-for-dollar retaliatory tariffs against the United States and a coordinated strategy to boost investment. He has repeatedly complained that Canada’s growth under Trudeau was not good enough.
Mr Carney could legally serve as prime minister without a seat in the House of Commons but tradition dictates he should seek to win one as soon as possible.
He will also have to decide when to call a general election – which must be held on or before 20 October of this year.
This is a breaking news story. More to follow…
