Canada has a new Prime Minister. Prominent banker Mark Carney won the Liberal Party’s leadership contest on Sunday and replaces Justin Trudeau as head of state.
Trudeau announced his resignation in January following pressure from his own MPs. The change of leadership comes amid a trade war with the United States that started when President Donald Trump imposed heavy tariffs on Canadian exports, with Tradeau responding in similar fashion.
Carney, who used to be the head of the Bank of England as well as Canada’s central bank won the leadership race with a landslide, securing 85.9% of the vote.
In his acceptance speech, he said the aggression by Trump will be among his top priorities.
“Donald Trump, as we know, has put unjustified tariffs on what we build, on what we sell and how we make a living. He’s attacking Canadian families, workers, and businesses, and we cannot let him succeed,” said Carney.
Trump has warned Canada to lift the retaliatory tariffs or face consequences however Carnery has already indicated he will not do so until Washington reverses the tariffs it imposed.
The new leader also rejected Trump’s suggestion that Canada become the 51st state of the United States.
“America is not Canada. Canada will never be part of America in any way, shape or form,” he said.
The banker-come politician campaigned on the basis of his corporate experience saying his negotiating skills would come in handy in the stalemate with Washington.
“I know how to manage crises. In a situation like this, you need experience in terms of crisis management, you need negotiating skills,” he’s was quoted as saying.