Liberals from across Canada have chosen Mark Carney as the next leader of the Liberal Party of Canada in a landslide victory. The former central bank governor and economist secured 85.9% support to succeed Justin Trudeau as leader of the party and soon, Canada’s 24th prime minister.
But Carney cannot take the helm until Prime Minister Justin Trudeau resigns. Trudeau commented recently that the handover of power will occur on a timeline established by him and the next leader.
Once Carney is sworn in as prime minister, he will have the power to govern, including whether to dissolve Parliament and call a federal election. He can begin enacting any policy that does not require legislation or new spending from Parliament, which remains prorogued. He will become Canada’s most important representative on the world stage at a time when national leadership is particularly important in the face of a trade war with the United States. Carney will also need to appoint a new cabinet since Trudeau’s ministry will be ejected upon his resignation.
The early days of Carney’s leadership could give hints on his style of governing and policy making, abnormal circumstances aside. Appointments to his cabinet, major staff changes, and policy decisions by Carney and his team will be particularly important to watch during transition and in the early days of his government. Equally important to watch will be whether Carney can meet the high expectations that have been placed on him by Liberals and in public opinion polling, especially under the siege of Conservative attack ads backed by an enormous war chest and eager party war room. Carney’s media engagements during the leadership campaign were limited and well controlled by his team. With all eyes on his first days as leader and prime minister, his performance will be heavily scrutinized by the media, the opposition and Canadians.
Carney is expected to call a snap election shortly after his swearing-in and before Parliament is scheduled to return following prorogation. The Globe and Mail reported that the Liberal Party already completed some pre-campaign leg work, including developing a draft platform.
The remarkably rapid rebalancing of public opinion, mostly in favour of the Liberals who are closing in on Pierre Poilievre’s Conservatives, is driving the motivation to go to the polls quickly. The resurgence of support for the Liberals has been attributed not only to Trudeau’s departure, but the existential threats facing Canada, including punitive tariffs and threats of annexation from the United States. Carney’s campaign pitch was founded on his experience navigating crisis and his ability to steer Canada through a trade war. However, he will now need to prove he can live up to the brand and the lofty expectations of anxious Canadians who may be reconsidering the Liberals.
That’s exactly what Poilievre’s opposition Conservatives have been preparing for. They’ve already taken aim at Carney, who they long ago clocked as their chief electoral threat, campaigning against him increasingly throughout 2024 and centering him in their messaging following Justin Trudeau’s resignation on January 6.