OTTAWA, Canada – Mark Carney, the former central banker with no prior elected political experience, was sworn in as Canada’s prime minister on Friday, vowing a more cooperative relationship with U.S. President Donald Trump while swiftly moving to dismantle a signature policy of his predecessor, Justin Trudeau.
Carney, 59, succeeds Trudeau after decisively winning the leadership of the Liberal Party.
His first act in office was to repeal the consumer carbon tax, a measure long opposed by the Conservative opposition.
He also made sweeping changes to his cabinet, trimming nearly half of Trudeau’s ministerial team to refocus on foreign and trade policy—particularly Canada’s strained relations with Washington.
Unlike Trudeau, whose relationship with Trump was often fraught, Carney struck a conciliatory tone.
He emphasized his past work with Trump in international financial meetings and signaled a willingness to negotiate.
“We respect President Trump—he has put some very important issues at the top of his agenda. We understand that agenda,” Carney said after his swearing-in.
He dismissed speculation about Trump’s repeated references to annexing Canada as “crazy” but sought to frame his leadership as pragmatic rather than combative.
“In many respects, part of my experience overlaps with that of the President—we’re both looking out for our countries. But he knows, and I know from long experience, that we can find mutual solutions that work for both sides,” Carney added.
Although he did not indicate immediate plans to meet with Trump, Carney is expected to prioritize trade talks amid concerns over proposed U.S. tariffs that could significantly impact the Canadian economy.
Carney reshaped his cabinet with an eye on trade and diplomacy.
Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc was shifted to international trade, while Francois-Philippe Champagne took over the finance portfolio.
Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly retained her position, signaling continuity in Canada’s global strategy.
The new prime minister will have little time to settle in, with a general election required by October 20.
Liberal insiders suggest Carney could call a snap election within the next two weeks to solidify his mandate.
If he hesitates, opposition parties have threatened to topple his minority government in a confidence vote by the end of March.
Carney’s rapid rise from banker to prime minister is unprecedented in Canadian politics, and his leadership will be tested immediately in what is expected to be a tightly contested election against the Conservatives.
Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre wasted no time in attacking Carney’s cabinet, arguing it was no different from Trudeau’s.
“100% of Carney’s ministers were in Trudeau’s caucus—helping hike carbon taxes and double the debt, housing costs, and food bank lineups,” Poilievre posted on X. “A Liberal is a Liberal is a Liberal.”
With the opposition capitalizing on public frustration over affordability and housing, Carney’s leadership will likely hinge on whether he can convince voters he represents real change—or merely a continuation of the status quo.
His first international trip as prime minister will take him to London and Paris next week, as Canada looks to strengthen ties with European allies amid ongoing tensions with the U.S.
