TORONTO (AP) — Mark Carney, former central banker, is set to become Canada’s next prime minister following a decisive victory in the Liberal Party leadership vote. Carney, aged 59, was born in Fort Smith, Northwest Territories, on March 16, 1965, and grew up in Edmonton, Alberta.
Background:
Carney led the Bank of Canada from 2008 to 2013 and the Bank of England from 2013 to 2020. He was instrumental in helping Canada navigate the challenges of the 2008 financial crisis before becoming the first non-British individual to head the Bank of England in its long history dating back to 1694. Currently, Carney serves as the United Nations’ special envoy for climate action and finance. While his professional background includes a tenure as a Goldman Sachs executive, Carney has never held political office.
Education:
Carney holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from Harvard University (1988) and master’s and doctoral degrees in economics from Oxford University. He also enjoyed playing ice hockey, serving as a backup goalie for Harvard.
Citizenship:
With Canadian, U.K., and Irish citizenships, Carney is in the process of transitioning to solely Canadian citizenship, a move considered politically strategic though not legally required. His wife, Diana, is British-born, and the couple has four daughters.
Current Outlook:
Recent polls have shown a shift in favor of Carney’s prospects as prime minister, with the Liberals gaining ground against the opposition Conservatives. While initial polls had the Liberals trailing significantly, the latest data indicates a closer race, with the Liberals now at 34% and the Conservatives at 37%.
