Mark Carney will be the prime minister – what happens next?
Mar 10, 2025
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Mark Carney, the former Governor of the Bank of Canada and the Bank of England, has just been elected as the new leader of the Liberal Party, making him Canada's next Prime Minister. He discusses his unprecedented journey into politics, facing significant challenges as an untested leader. Carney's victory, capturing an astounding 86% of the vote, signals a shift in the party's direction. With looming threats from opponents and international pressures, he highlights strategies for economic conservatism and party unity as he prepares for a tumultuous political future.
Mark Carney's election as Prime Minister marks a significant shift for the Liberal Party towards a centrist, economically-focused agenda.
Facing limited political experience, Carney must quickly establish his presence to connect with voters amid impending election challenges.
Deep dives
Mark Carney's Landmark Victory
Mark Carney emerged as the new leader of the Liberal Party of Canada, securing a remarkable 85.9% of the allocated points in a decisive first-ballot victory. With 131,674 votes compared to his closest rival, Chrystia Freeland, who garnered only 11,134 votes, Carney’s landslide win signifies a strong desire for change within the party. His election marks him as the first Prime Minister without any prior political experience, posing a unique challenge as he prepares to assume office amidst significant political scrutiny. The excitement at the convention reflected a renewed optimism within the party, contrasting with the turmoil they had faced in recent months, even as Carney braces for the difficulties ahead.
Challenges Ahead for Carney's Leadership
As Carney steps into the role of Prime Minister, he faces numerous obstacles, especially in strengthening the Liberal Party's standing against the Conservatives. While polls indicate a competitive race, many Canadians are unfamiliar with Carney, highlighting the challenge of easing him into the political landscape. His leadership style and approach to addressing economic issues, particularly in relation to Donald Trump and Canadian resources, will be crucial in establishing his political identity. With limited media interaction and favorable polling numbers based largely on perception rather than familiarity, Carney must quickly build his presence to connect with voters before the anticipated election.
A Shift in Policy Focus
Carney's election represents a strategic pivot for the Liberal Party toward a centrist, economically-focused agenda, diverging from the previous administration's emphasis on social issues. His plans include potential rollbacks on carbon pricing and capital gains taxes, signifying a unified stance among candidates that leaned towards facilitating economic stewardship over progressive social policies. This shift could reflect the party’s perception of its past priorities, acknowledging a need to prioritize economic stability to regain voter support. By concentrating less on traditional Liberal platforms and more on pragmatic governance, Carney is gearing up to define himself distinctly as a leader who is prepared to tackle the pressing political landscape of Canada today.
The Liberal Party of Canada have chosen their new leader — and the country’s 24th prime minister. Former Bank of Canada Governor, Mark Carney won in a landslide, capturing nearly 86% of the vote. As Prime Minister Justin Trudeau steps aside, Carney will take his place as the first Canadian prime minister with no political experience.
While the Liberals have gained in the polls, Carney will be challenged as soon as he enters office. Parliament is prorogued until March 24—where Carney holds no seat, the opposition parties have said they’ll vote for an early election, and U.S. President Donald Trump’s economic and annexation threats persist.
Today, the Globe’s senior reporter in Ottawa, Stephanie Levitz, is here to break down Sunday’s results, the unique challenges that lie ahead for Carney as an untested leader, and what it could take for the Liberals to hold onto power through this upcoming election.