Mark Carney Elected Liberal Party Leader Amid U.S. Tensions

Sat Dec 20 2025 23:32:24 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Canada’s Liberal Party has selected Mark Carney, a seasoned central banker, as its new leader to confront rising threats from President Trump.

In a pivotal election held on Sunday, Mark Carney emerged victorious in the Liberal Party leadership race, securing an overwhelming 85.9% of the vote against former finance minister Chrystia Freeland. The 59-year-old technocrat, who has never held an elected position, previously managed the Bank of Canada during the 2008 financial crisis and the Bank of England during Brexit. His immediate priority as Canada’s new prime minister will be to navigate the challenges posed by President Trump amid ongoing tensions between Canada and the U.S.

In a stirring acceptance speech, Carney emphasized Canada's distinct identity and resilience against external pressures, stating, “America is not Canada. And Canada never, ever, will be part of America in any way, shape or form.” He rallied supporters by asserting that Canada is prepared for a competitive trade landscape and will strive for success, declaring, “So Americans should make no mistake: in trade, as in hockey, Canada will win.”

As Carney prepares for his inaugural term, expectations are high for him to address the economic and sovereignty stakes posed by U.S. policies, as he aims to officially usher in a new chapter for the Liberal Party following the end of the Trudeau era.