Mark Carney has officially been sworn in as Canada’s prime minister, succeeding Justin Trudeau at a time of heightened tensions with the United States. Carney, a former central banker with no prior elected experience, takes office as Canada faces economic uncertainty and pressure from US President Donald Trump, who has controversially suggested Canada should become the 51st US state.
In his first address as prime minister, Carney dismissed Trump’s remarks outright, declaring: “We will never, ever, in any way, shape, or form, be part of the United States. America is not Canada.” His firm stance comes amid an ongoing trade war with the US, Canada’s largest trading partner.
Carney won the Liberal Party leadership in a landslide on March 9, following Trudeau’s resignation in January. Despite having advised the former prime minister on economic policy, Carney’s transition from finance to politics marks a rare shift in Canadian leadership. He assumes office without holding a seat in parliament, an unusual but not unprecedented situation.
Alongside Carney, key cabinet ministers were sworn in at Rideau Hall in Ottawa. Dominic LeBlanc, formerly Trudeau’s finance minister, takes on the role of Minister for Trade and Intergovernmental Affairs, while François-Philippe Champagne now leads the finance ministry. Mélanie Joly remains foreign minister, and former Liberal leadership rival Chrystia Freeland returns to cabinet as Minister of Transport and Internal Trade.
Carney has pledged a swift and focused government, stating in a press release: “This team is built for immediate action and focused on protecting Canadian workers, supporting their families, and growing this great country. We are changing how things work so our government can deliver to Canadians faster.”
Trudeau, who led Canada for nearly a decade, bid farewell in a message on X: “Thank you, Canada – for trusting in me, for challenging me, and for granting me the privilege to serve the best country, and the best people, on earth.”
