Mark Carney. Photo: Sean Kilpatrick, The Canadian Press
Mark Carney, who on Sunday won the race for the leadership of the Liberal Party of Canada and Justin Trudeau’s replacement as prime minister, made a sharp statement against the United States in his victory speech. According to the new head of government, Canada will not allow itself to become dependent on American interests, Politico reports .
“Canada will never be part of America”
“America is not Canada. And Canada will never, ever be a part of America – in any way, shape or form,” Carney said during his speech, Politico quoted him as saying. He added that the country should be prepared for the challenges that may arise from the aggressive policy of the neighbouring state.
Trade wars and threats to the economy
The new prime minister called the latest economic moves by the Donald Trump administration a threat to Canada. “The Americans want our resources, our water, our land, our country. If they succeed, they will destroy our way of life,” Carney said.
Political confrontation with Trump
Carney has positioned himself as a leader capable of defending Canada from US economic and political pressure. He supports the dollar-for-dollar principle in response to US tariffs. One of his first steps in office was to warn the US about its dependence on Canadian energy resources.
In 2018, Carney, while still governor of the Bank of England, openly criticised Trump’s tariff policy, and in 2020, he clashed with the American leader over climate policy, supporting Greta Thunberg.
Will there be early elections?
One of Carney’s first decisions as prime minister may be to call early elections. He called the current situation an “economic and sovereign crisis”. Canadian politics has changed since Trump’s return to power, and the Liberal Party is now gaining popularity again.
What’s next?
Carney intends to begin negotiations with the White House on new trade agreements and to strengthen the protection of Canada’s natural resources. He promised that Canada will not allow itself to lose control over “language, culture and water”.
