Former central banker Mark Carney was officially sworn in as Canada’s Prime Minister on Friday, stepping into the role with a commitment to fostering a more cooperative relationship with U.S. President Donald Trump. This shift comes at a crucial time, as Trump’s administration has indicated plans to impose tariffs that could have a significant and potentially damaging impact on the Canadian economy.
Carney takes over from Justin Trudeau, who often clashed with Trump, leading to a strained diplomatic relationship between the two nations. At 59 years old, Carney brings a wealth of experience from his tenure as Governor of the Bank of England and his previous role as Governor of the Bank of Canada. His approach, he emphasized, will be rooted in mutual respect and understanding.
In a statement to the press immediately following his swearing-in, Carney underscored his willingness to engage with the Trump administration. “We respect President Trump. He has placed several critical issues on his agenda that we must acknowledge and address,” Carney said.
He referenced his previous collaborations with Trump during international meetings, highlighting his commitment to finding common ground to benefit both countries. This new stance signals a potential pivot in Canadian policy as Carney seeks to navigate the complexities of international trade and diplomacy in an era marked by economic uncertainty.