Canada’s soon-to-be Prime Minister Mark Carney has declared open economic war against the United States and President Trump. The former central banker with zero political experience thinks his financial background makes him qualified to challenge America’s tariffs.
He’s Justin Trudeau, but worse. Much, much worse.
At a glance:
• Mark Carney won Canada’s Liberal Party leadership with 85.9% of the vote and will soon become prime minister
• Carney has never held elected office and is replacing Justin Trudeau in a minority government
• He called Trump’s tariffs “unjustified” and vowed to maintain retaliatory tariffs against the US
• Carney claimed Americans “should make no mistake, in trade, as in hockey, Canada will win”
• He plans to diversify Canada’s economy away from the US while pushing forward pipeline projects
Banker With No Political Experience Takes Command
Mark Carney, who served as Governor of both the Bank of Canada and the Bank of England, has been elected as Canada’s next Prime Minister despite having never served as a Member of Parliament. The former Goldman Sachs executive won the Liberal Party leadership contest with an overwhelming 85.9% of the vote, succeeding Justin Trudeau who resigned after falling behind in polls.
Carney’s victory speech focused almost entirely on attacking President Trump and US trade policies, setting up what could be a contentious relationship with America. The privileged banker apparently believes his elite credentials from Harvard and Oxford qualify him to challenge the economic policies of Canada’s largest trading partner.
Carney positioned himself as the tough guy ready to stand up to President Trump, despite having no political experience whatsoever. In his victory speech, the banker-turned-politician made the bold claim that “Americans should make no mistake, in trade, as in hockey, Canada will win,” seemingly unaware that Canada relies on the US for over 75% of its exports.
Anti-Trump Rhetoric Dominates Carney’s Agenda
The new Liberal Party leader has dramatically escalated tensions with the United States, promising to maintain retaliatory tariffs “until the Americans show us respect.” Carney described Trump’s trade policies as “the most serious crisis of our lifetime” while offering no recognition of the legitimate border security concerns that have driven US policy decisions.
“President Trump probably thinks Canada will cave in. But we are going to stand up to a bully, we’re not going to back down. We’re united and we will retaliate,” Carney declared, setting up what could become a damaging trade war for the Canadian economy.
Carney, being a former banker, knows very well that Canada is a very protectionist economy. And he’s going to fight like hell to protect it – and continue to rip off the United States.
While claiming to stand against President Trump, Carney has paradoxically adopted several Trump-like policies. The incoming prime minister has promised to secure Canada’s borders, push forward pipeline projects, and cap the size of the federal government which expanded under Trudeau’s leadership.
Economic Independence or Reckless Gamble?
Carney’s strategy includes attempts to diversify Canada’s economy away from its dependence on the United States through investments in housing and clean energy. The former central banker, known for his climate change advocacy and criticism of finance-driven capitalism in his 2021 book “Value(s),” seems ready to push Canada toward economic isolation from its largest trading partner.
Critics have pointed out that Carney may struggle to connect with average voters due to his communication style and elite background. His unconventional path to becoming Prime Minister without any electoral experience raises serious questions about his ability to navigate complex political challenges both domestically and internationally.
The Liberal Party has seen a temporary resurgence since Trudeau’s resignation, narrowing the gap with the Conservative Party in polls. However, Carney faces a general election by October 20, with opposition Conservatives still slightly favored to win against the untested banker who has never faced voters before.
Fingers crossed Carney is only PM for a short while…
