Mark Carney sworn in as Canada's new Prime Minister amid strained US ties

Mark Carney was officially sworn in as Canada’s 24th prime minister on Friday, stepping into office amid a growing trade war with the United States, annexation threats from President Donald Trump, and an impending federal election. Carney, 59, a former central banker with no political experience, replaces Justin Trudeau, who announced his resignation in January but remained in power until the ruling Liberal Party elected a new leader. Carney is widely expected to call a general election in the coming days or weeks.

In his first remarks as prime minister, Carney strongly rejected Trump’s suggestion that Canada should become the 51st U.S. state.

"We will never, ever, in any way, shape, or form, be part of the United States. America is not Canada. We are fundamentally a different country," Carney declared.

The Liberal Party was bracing for a historic election defeat this year until Trump’s aggressive trade policies and annexation rhetoric sparked a surge in Canadian nationalism. Now, political analysts say



Carney and the Liberals may benefit from voter backlash against Trump’s statements.

Carney, who previously led the Bank of Canada during the 2008 financial crisis and later became the first noncitizen to head the Bank of England, will now have to navigate Canada through escalating economic tensions with the U.S.

Trump has imposed 25 per cent tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum and has threatened sweeping tariffs on all Canadian products starting April 2. The U.S. president has also questioned the legitimacy of the Canada-US border.

While Carney said he is open to talks with Trump, he made it clear that any negotiations would be based on mutual respect.

“The president is a successful businessman and deal maker. We’re his largest client in so many industries,” Carney said. “Clients expect respect and working together in a proper commercial way.”

Carney does not plan to visit Washington immediately but hopes to have a phone conversation with Trump soon.