TORONTO (AP) — Canada is poised to select a seasoned former central banker to navigate the challenges posed by President Donald Trump’s tariffs on Western free trade. Mark Carney, 59, is a frontrunner to succeed Justin Trudeau as the next prime minister when the governing Liberal Party of Canada holds a leadership vote on Sunday. Trudeau’s popularity waned due to rising costs of living and increased immigration, prompting his resignation in January. Although a successor must be chosen before October as per election laws, the vote is expected to take place sooner.
Trump’s trade disputes and discussions of Canada becoming the 51st U.S. state have agitated Canadians, leading to instances of booing the American anthem at sports events and a decline in American purchases. This surge in Canadian nationalism has boosted the Liberal Party’s prospects in upcoming Parliamentary elections, with opinion polls showing steady improvement in their support.
After years of stable bilateral relations, the focus in Canada’s upcoming leadership vote now revolves around who can best navigate the challenges posed by the United States. Mark Carney, known for his adept crisis management during his tenure as head of Canada’s central bank and later as the Bank of England’s governor, has garnered praise for his financial acumen and effective communication with the public. His commitment to keeping interest rates low during the financial crisis and his transparent approach to monetary policy have earned him bipartisan recognition in Britain and Canada.
Carney faces competition primarily from former Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland in the Liberal leadership race. The new leader, to be chosen by 140,000 party members in a confidential vote, is expected to trigger a general election soon after. Given Carney’s steady demeanor and impressive track record, many Canadians view him as a stabilizing force amidst Trump’s economic threats.
Political observers suggest that Carney’s calm leadership style contrasts sharply with the Conservative Party’s Pierre Poilievre, positioning him favorably to address the current challenges facing Canada’s economy and sovereignty.
Poilievre, a 45-year-old politician known for his populist rhetoric similar to that of Trump, has been the go-to attack figure for his party for years. Embracing a firebrand approach, he emphasizes the need to prioritize “Canada first,” criticizing mainstream media and pledging to defund Canada’s public broadcaster while advocating for tax cuts. This stance resonates with his base but has drawn criticism from other Canadians, especially in light of current events involving the U.S. president. Poilievre recently called on Trump to cease his attacks on Canada and put an end to the economic strain affecting both countries.
