Inside Rideau Hall, the atmosphere is filled with a sense of nervous excitement as Mark Carney and his cabinet are being sworn in. The hall is abuzz with onlookers and special guests, all of whom are beaming with pride as they watch each new minister step forward to take their oath of office. Carney, appearing both nervous and excited, experienced a minor stumble while posing for photographs with Canada's Governor-General Mary Simon, eliciting a warm round of applause each time a new minister returns to their seat.
In a few days, Mark Carney is set to embark on his first official visit to Europe, a significant moment following his swearing-in today. Traditionally, the first foreign visit of a Canadian prime minister is to the United States; however, these are not normal times. Sources indicate that Carney's initial stops will be in Paris and London on Monday. This visit is described as "emergency discussions on tariffs and trade," especially relevant given the recent imposition of significant tariffs by President Trump on both sides of the Atlantic. This trip presents an urgent opportunity for Canada's new leader to reinforce the transatlantic partnership amidst mounting pressures from Trump, who has made alarming remarks about absorbing Canada as the "51st state." Canadians are united in their vow that this shocking threat will never materialize.
Some Canadian politicians are questioning why Britain's Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has not publicly defended Canada against these threats. In response, the UK’s Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey has called for Starmer to express more public support for Canada. During his brief visit to London, Carney is also expected to meet with King Charles III, Canada’s head of state, who has recently shown his “deepest affection” for Canada, including planting a symbolic maple tree.
Mark Carney’s top priorities will include establishing a strong relationship with the US president. Canada’s Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly has already initiated discussions with her US counterpart about organizing a telephone call “in the next couple of days.” This proactive approach underscores the importance of international relations during this pivotal time.
According to royal sources, King Charles III has extended his congratulations to Prime Minister Mark Carney through a private message. Carney's anticipated European visit next week will likely include a meeting with the King, who has a history of interactions with Carney from when he served as the Governor of the Bank of England.
Royal diplomacy is often subtle and careful; however, recent actions by King Charles III have conveyed a strong sense of support for Canada. As Canada’s head of state, the King has met with outgoing Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and issued a Flag Day message celebrating Canada as “a proud, resilient, and compassionate country.” Earlier this week, the King was honored with a ceremonial sword by the Canadian Usher of the Black Rod and the Speaker of the Canadian Senate, further symbolizing the warm relations between the monarchy and Canada.
In a recent update from the White House, press secretary Karoline Leavitt informed reporters that President Trump has yet to speak with Mark Carney. It remains uncertain when this communication will occur, but updates are expected to follow. Carney, a prominent figure in both Canada and England's financial sectors, faces the daunting task of navigating the complexities of trade relations with the US.
Mark Carney holds a unique position in Canadian politics, having been the first non-British individual to serve as governor of the Bank of England in its 300-year history. Before that, he successfully guided Canada through the Great Recession as the governor of the Bank of Canada. Despite never having held political office before, Carney decisively won the leadership contest to succeed Justin Trudeau. Now, he must steer the country through escalating trade tensions with its largest trading partner.
Reports indicate that Mark Carney plans to streamline his cabinet significantly, potentially reducing the number of ministers from Trudeau's previous 36 to approximately 15-20. Key positions related to the ongoing trade dispute with the US are expected to remain largely unchanged. Mélanie Joly is likely to continue as Foreign Affairs Minister, while Dominic LeBlanc may shift from finance to focus on international trade, particularly concerning Canada-US relations. The future of Chrystia Freeland, the former Deputy Prime Minister, remains uncertain, especially given her previous resignation from Trudeau's cabinet.
This week, President Trump halted plans to double tariffs on Canadian steel and metal imports, but a 25% tariff still took effect on those goods. This situation marks yet another chapter in the ongoing trade war that poses a risk to the economies of both Canada and the United States. Outgoing PM Justin Trudeau criticized Trump's actions as "very dumb," emphasizing the strain on their relationship. Amidst these tensions, Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly has expressed that Canada takes the threat of becoming the "51st state" very seriously.
After nearly a decade in leadership, Justin Trudeau has bid farewell to Canadians. During his tenure, he navigated some of the most challenging periods in Canadian history, including the first Trump administration, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the recent tariff impositions. Trudeau's legacy includes pivotal reforms such as the legalization of marijuana and the introduction of significant social programs. On his last day in office, he shared a heartfelt goodbye video, expressing pride in serving a country known for its resilience and unity.
