‘Canada will never, ever be part of America’: Mark Carney
9 March: In a landslide victory, Mark Carney has been elected as the new leader of the Liberal Party, winning an overwhelming 85.9% of the vote on the first ballot. His decisive win paves the way for his transition to become Canada’s 24th prime minister following Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s resignation earlier this year.
Carney’s victory was expected but dominant, with Chrystia Freeland coming a distant second with 8%, followed by Karina Gould and Frank Baylis, who each secured around 3%. With this commanding mandate, Carney is now gearing up for the next federal election, positioning himself as a leader who will chart a new course for the Liberals while taking a firm stand against Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre and former U.S. President Donald Trump.
A Shift in Liberal Policy: Carney Vows to Eliminate Carbon Tax and Halt Capital Gains Tax Hike
In a significant policy shift, Carney pledged to eliminate the federal carbon tax on families, farmers, and small businesses, signaling a clear departure from Trudeau’s environmental strategy. This move reflects Carney’s pragmatic economic approach, aimed at reducing financial burdens on Canadians while finding alternative ways to address climate change.
“My government will immediately eliminate the divisive consumer carbon tax on families, farmers, and small and medium-sized businesses.”
Carney also took aim at the capital gains tax hike, promising to put a stop to increases and ensure entrepreneurs and investors are encouraged rather than penalized.
“We will stop the hike in the capital gains tax because we think builders should be incentivized for taking risks and rewarded when they succeed.”
This shift highlights Carney’s focus on economic competitiveness and business-friendly policies, setting him apart from both Poilievre’s free-market conservatism and Trudeau’s progressive taxation policies.
Taking the Fight to Trump and Poilievre
Carney’s speech was not just about domestic policies—he made it clear that he views both Trump and Poilievre as threats to Canada’s stability and economic strength. He vowed to keep tariffs on American goods in place until the U.S. treats Canada with respect, calling out Trump’s protectionist policies.
“Donald Trump thinks he can weaken us with his plan to divide and conquer. Pierre Poilievre’s plan will leave us divided and ready to be conquered.”
He also criticized Poilievre’s ideological approach to governance, particularly on issues like national security, economic policy, and foreign relations.
“Pierre Poilievre wants to shut down CBC and Radio-Canada at a time when disinformation and foreign interference are rising. He insults our mayors and ignores the First Nations when it’s time to build. He would let our planet burn.”
Preparing for the Transition: Carney Set to Become PM
Although Carney is now officially the Liberal leader, he has yet to be sworn in as prime minister. Trudeau has confirmed that he will resign soon, and once he officially steps down, Governor General Mary Simon will invite Carney to form the new government. The transition is expected to happen within days, with speculation that Carney could call an early federal election to capitalize on his momentum.
Carney also needs to secure a seat in the House of Commons, as he is not currently an MP. However, he has confirmed he will run in the next election, ensuring he has a direct voice in Parliament.
Trudeau’s Farewell and a New Liberal Era
Before the results were announced, Justin Trudeau addressed the crowd of Liberals one final time as leader, reflecting on his 12-year tenure and the legacy he leaves behind.
“I am damn proud of what we’ve done. Through every crisis, Canadians have shown me who they are. We’ve pulled together. We’ve stood up for each other. And every single time, we’ve emerged even stronger.”
Former Prime Minister Jean Chrétien also took the stage, thanking Trudeau for his leadership and calling Canada “the best country in the world.”
What Comes Next?
With Conservative support rising in the polls, Carney is expected to call an election soon, aiming to solidify his leadership before Poilievre gains more ground. His campaign will focus on economic renewal, national unity, and defending Canada’s interests against both U.S. trade pressures and domestic political division.
Closing his speech with a rallying call, Carney urged Canadians to stand together and build a stronger country, signaling that he is ready for the battles ahead:
“In trade, as in hockey, Canada will win.”
