Mark Carney, the new leader of the ruling Liberal Party in Canada and former governor of the Bank of England, confirmed that his country "will never" be part of the United States, in his first speech after winning the Liberal leadership race, thus becoming the successor to outgoing Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

Carney (59 years old), who headed the British central bank from 2013 to 2020, currently serves as chair of the Canadian alternative investment management company Brookfield Asset Management. His victory in the party leadership came after Trudeau announced his resignation last January following internal pressure from party MPs.

Challenges Ahead

In his new role, Carney will have to determine the date for the next general elections in Canada, which must be held by October 20 at the latest.

In his victory speech, presented by his daughter Cleo, Carney said:

“Who is ready to defend Canada with me? Yes Canada, the Liberal Party is united and strong and ready to fight to build a better country.”

Response to Donald Trump's Threats Regarding the Annexation of Canada

Referring to trade tensions with the United States and former President Donald Trump's comments about the possibility of "annexing Canada" to become the 51st American state, Carney responded firmly, stating:

“We’ve made this country the greatest country in the world, and our neighbors want to take us. Impossible.”

He added:

“Americans want our resources, our water, our land, and our country (...) If they succeed in that, they will destroy our way of life.”

He continued:

“America is not Canada. And Canada will never be part of America in any way.”

Firm Political Stance

Carney's statements reflect a strong position towards relations with the United States, at a time when trade relations between the two countries are experiencing increasing tensions, especially following Washington's imposition of tariffs on Canadian products and Trump's threats of stricter trade measures.

Reuniting the Liberal Party

Carney aims to reunite the Liberal Party after a period of declining popularity under Trudeau's leadership, asserting his intention to boost the Canadian economy, protect jobs, and confront global economic challenges.

Upcoming Political Expectations

With Carney's victory in the party leadership, he is expected to face a tough test in the upcoming elections, especially with the rising popularity of the Conservative Party led by Pierre Poilievre, who is launching a fierce campaign against the Liberal Party's economic policies, accusing Carney of following Trudeau's path in "raising taxes and exacerbating the cost of living crisis."

The Political Scene in Canada

The Canadian political landscape is expected to witness an intense showdown between the liberals led by Carney and the conservatives led by Poilievre in the upcoming elections, amidst ongoing tensions in relations with the United States and worsening economic challenges at the domestic level.