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Carney was sworn in at a ceremony in Ottawa, replacing Justin Trudeau who had led Canada since 2015.
Mark Carney to be next Canadian PM (AP Image)
Former central banker Mark Carney was sworn in as Canada’s prime minister on Friday, taking charge of a country shaken by a breakdown in relations with the US since President Donald Trump’s return to power.
Carney took the oath of office at a ceremony in Ottawa, with Governor General Mary Simon, the personal representative of King Charles — Canada’s head of state — in attendance.
Carney succeeds Justin Trudeau, who led Canada since 2015. Trudeau announced his resignation in January after nearly a decade in power.
The event marked a significant milestone for the 59-year-old, who becomes the first Canadian prime minister with no significant political experience.
A former head of both the Bank of Canada and the Bank of England, Carney has positioned himself as an outsider, arguing that his experience in handling crises makes him the ideal person to confront Trump, who has repeatedly mentioned the possibility of annexing Canada.
Trump has imposed 25% tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminium and is threatening sweeping tariffs on all Canadian products as of April 2. He has also suggested that the border between the two countries is a “fictional line.”
Carney has stated that he is ready to meet with Trump, provided there is “respect for Canadian sovereignty” and a willingness to take “a common approach, a much more comprehensive approach for trade.”
Efforts are currently underway to arrange a call between Trump and Carney in the coming days, as confirmed by Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly on Friday.
(With inputs from agencies)
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