Canada's new prime minister moves fast, reshaping policy and preparing for a showdown with the US
Mark Carney assumed office as Canada’s new prime minister, taking immediate steps to dismantle a key policy of his predecessor and hinting at an early election, according to BNN Bloomberg.
On Friday, Carney was sworn in, pledged allegiance, and introduced a smaller cabinet to Governor General Mary Simon in a historically significant ceremony.
Carney wasted no time in reversing former prime minister Justin Trudeau’s consumer carbon tax. Late in the day, he issued an order that effectively ends the pricing program.
Those who received the accompanying carbon rebate will receive a final payment in April.
This policy shift was implemented through an order-in-council, setting the price to zero dollars, while the legislation concerning the fuel charge remains in place.
Following his first cabinet meeting, Carney indicated that Canadians will soon head to the polls.
When asked if he planned to recall Parliament or trigger an election, he responded that voters “certainly should expect to go to the polls before November.”
He emphasized the urgency of policy decisions, stating, “There will be other news in the coming days with respect to ensuring that we have as strong a mandate that is needed for the time.”
Carney's tenure begins amidst heightened trade tensions with the United States. US President Donald Trump has imposed tariffs on Canadian imports and suggested annexing Canada as the 51st state, escalating economic and political strains.
According to The New York Post, Carney firmly rejected these notions, emphasizing Canada's sovereignty and readiness to defend its interests.
New cabinet takes shape
Carney introduced a pared-down cabinet, shifting away from Trudeau’s focus on regional representation and gender parity.
BNN Bloomberg reports that a senior source cited the cabinet’s smaller size as the reason for this adjustment.
The Prime Minister’s Office stated that the new cabinet consists of “returning ministers, seasoned leaders, and new voices who will bring fresh ideas and perspectives to the team as it delivers on the things that matter most to Canadians, such as strengthening Canada’s economy and security.”
The 23-person cabinet includes 12 men and 11 women, with no representation from Alberta or Prince Edward Island.
The cabinet size is significantly smaller than Trudeau’s last 36-member team but includes three newcomers. Several former ministers lost their positions, particularly those who had already announced they would not seek re-election.
Carney’s main Liberal leadership rival, Chrystia Freeland, was included in the cabinet, while third-place finisher Karina Gould was left out. Reacting to her exclusion, Gould stated that she remains committed to supporting the government and intends to run again.
“Congratulations to my colleagues who were sworn in to cabinet today,” Gould said. “Our country finds itself at a critical moment in history, and I know this is the leadership team that is right for the challenges we face ahead.”
Carney defended the cabinet’s composition despite the absence of representation from certain regions.
“People get classified in a way that limits the breadth of experience. I could give you many examples of the pan-Canadian nature of this cabinet,” he said.
Trudeau formally resigns
Earlier in the day, Trudeau made his resignation official in a private meeting with the governor general.
Arriving at Rideau Hall, Trudeau concluded nearly a decade as prime minister, which included policy successes and unfulfilled promises.
He later posted a farewell message on social media, stating, “Thank you, Canada — for trusting in me, for challenging me, and for granting me the privilege to serve the best country, and the best people, on earth.”
Carney entered Rideau Hall alone, opting for a side entrance rather than the grand walkway Trudeau used when taking office in 2015.
Before the ceremony, Carney told reporters, “Our message? We’re a very focused government, focused on action. We’re going to get straight to work.”
Election uncertainty and opposition response
Carney’s first international trip as prime minister is scheduled for next week at the invitation of the leaders of France and the UK.
He is scheduled to meet with French President Emmanuel Macron, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and King Charles III.
He confirmed that discussions are underway to arrange a call with US President Donald Trump in the coming days.
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre criticized the new cabinet, arguing that it does not represent a shift in leadership.
“Mark Carney thinks Canadians are stupid. He thinks that a little bit of cosmetic surgery will allow the Liberals to disguise who they are, and make people forget what they did for 10 years in order to elect them to a fourth Liberal term,” Poilievre said.
He pointed out that 20 of Carney’s cabinet members had previously served under Trudeau.
NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh indicated a willingness to support Carney’s government if it introduced measures to protect workers amid the ongoing trade war.
“If that pushes the election back a bit, that’s fine. For me, the priority is to get this stuff done first, and then we go to an election,” Singh said.
Prominent attendees at Carney’s swearing-in included former governors general Michaëlle Jean and David Johnston, Liberal Party president Sachit Mehra, Chief of Defence Staff Jennie Carignan, and RCMP Commissioner Michael Duheme.
Former prime minister Jean Chrétien remarked that the role of prime minister is “a tough job” but expressed confidence that Carney would perform well.
Also present were key figures from Trudeau’s tenure, including former top adviser Gerry Butts, Carney’s new chief of staff Marco Mendicino, and former attorney general David Lametti.
Carney has signalled rapid policy changes and a potential election in the coming months as he begins his tenure as Canada’s 24th prime minister.
