Mark Carney, former central banker, will be Canada’s next prime minister after winning the Liberal Party leadership with 85.9% of the vote. He replaces Justin Trudeau, who announced his resignation in January but remains in office until Carney is sworn in. The country faces economic challenges and tensions with the U.S., including Donald Trump’s trade war and his remarks about annexing Canada, which have fueled nationalist sentiment.

Carney, 59, led the Bank of Canada through the 2008 financial crisis and later became the first noncitizen to run the Bank of England. His experience in economic crises has earned him widespread respect, though he has no political background. The opposition Conservatives had hoped to center the upcoming election on Trudeau’s declining popularity amid rising costs of living and increased immigration.

 

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Trump’s trade war and annexation comments have angered Canadians, leading to American anthem boos at NHL and NBA games and a boycott of U.S. goods. This surge in nationalism has strengthened the Liberal Party’s standing ahead of the expected election. Carney has quickly gained endorsements from Cabinet ministers and MPs, positioning himself as the leader best equipped to handle Canada’s relationship with the U.S.

His main rival for the leadership, former Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland, resigned after Trudeau removed her as finance minister. With Carney now at the helm, an election will likely be triggered soon, either by his own call or a no-confidence vote from opposition parties.