CANADA: Leader of Canada’s ruling Liberal Party, Mark Carney, has taken the oath of office as the 24th Prime Minister of the country.
Ex-central banker Mark Carney was inaugurated as the Prime Minister of Canada on Friday, signaling a new direction for the country’s leadership. In his inaugural address, Carney emphasized his willingness to collaborate with U.S. President Donald Trump, despite Trump’s proposed tariffs that could pose significant risks to the Canadian economy.
Carney takes over from Justin Trudeau, whose tenure was marked by a frequently tense and adversarial relationship with Trump. At 59, Carney expressed a commitment to fostering a more cooperative and engaging dialogue between the two nations moving forward.
Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc has transitioned to the international trade portfolio, with Innovation Minister François-Philippe Champagne stepping in as his replacement. Foreign Minister Melanie Joly will continue in her position.
The upcoming election, mandated to occur by October 20, will see the Liberal Party contesting against the opposition Conservatives, who have long campaigned against the consumer carbon tax introduced during the Trudeau administration.
In his inaugural cabinet meeting, Prime Minister Carney, who has vowed to eliminate this tax, signed an order to abolish it. “This will make a significant difference for Canadians struggling to make ends meet,” he remarked in cabinet discussions.
Carney’s appointment marks a remarkable ascent, as he is now the first Canadian prime minister without substantial prior political experience.