Canadian Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly has thrown her support behind former central banker Mark Carney as the next leader of the Liberal Party and potentially Canada’s next prime minister, a source close to Joly revealed on Sunday.
Joly’s endorsement of Carney comes at a pivotal moment as the race heats up with former finance minister Chrystia Freeland also vying for the top position to succeed current Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Trudeau will continue in his role until a new leader of the Liberal Party is chosen on March 9.
According to the official source, Joly sees Carney as the ideal candidate to navigate the challenges posed by U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s looming threat of imposing significant tariffs on Canada. Carney, renowned for his leadership as the first non-Brit to head the Bank of England and his previous role as the head of Canada’s central bank, is viewed by Joly as having the necessary experience to address the potential economic repercussions.
The insider, speaking on the condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter, highlighted Carney’s successful steering of Canada through the 2008 financial crisis during his tenure at the Canadian central bank. Furthermore, Carney’s adept handling of the aftermath of Brexit while serving as the governor of the Bank of England bolsters his reputation as a capable leader in times of economic uncertainty.
As the competition for the Liberal Party leadership intensifies, Carney and Freeland emerge as the front-runners in the race, with Freeland’s recent resignation triggering the leadership contest. The Liberal Party members will ultimately decide the new leader in the upcoming election.
While Joly was initially considered a potential contender for the leadership position, she opted not to enter the race in order to focus on addressing the pressing tariff issue posed by the Trump administration. By throwing her weight behind Carney, Joly aims to bolster his support, particularly in Quebec, her home province.
Freeland’s abrupt departure from Trudeau’s Cabinet in December, citing concerns over Trudeau’s economic strategies in light of the tariff threats from the U.S., sent shockwaves across the political landscape. Speculation grew about Trudeau’s ability to maintain his position as public support waned.
The looming specter of a potential no-confidence vote from opposition parties, expected after parliament reconvenes on March 24, raises the possibility of an imminent election this spring. Trudeau’s announcement of his resignation on January 6 marked the culmination of mounting internal and external pressures on his leadership.
Amid the political upheaval, Trump’s persistent threats of imposing tariffs on Canadian goods continue to strain U.S.-Canada relations. Trudeau’s decision to remove Freeland from the role of finance minister, while offering her the position of deputy prime minister and maintaining her responsibility for U.S.-Canada relations, underscores the delicate balancing act facing the Canadian government.
Freeland’s scathing critique of the government in her resignation letter proved to be a tipping point, signaling broader discontent within the party and the country as a whole.
The
