Canadian Favourite to Become New Prime Minister Mark Carney Vows to Win Trade War with the US
Mark Carney, the 59-year-old former central banker, has announced that he will continue to fight and win the current trade war with the US, as the newly elected leader of the Liberal Party of Canada. In a weekend interview, he warned Washington that the retaliatory tariffs will remain in place “until the Americans show us respect.”
Carney, a former Goldman Sachs executive, won the Liberal Party leadership with over 85.9% of the vote, securing a clear chance to become the next Prime Minister of Canada, replacing the unpopular Justin Trudeau. He defeated four other contenders, including former Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland.
Carney’s biography on the World Economic Forum (WEF) website lists him as a member of various boards and the chairman of the Bilderberg Foundation, as well as an “external member” of Bloomberg Philanthropies, the philanthropic arm of media mogul and Democrat Michael Bloomberg, a long-time partner of Bill Gates.
In his acceptance speech, Carney directly addressed the recent tariff threats from Washington, explaining to the audience: “Donald Trump has, as we know, imposed unfair tariffs on what we build, what we sell, how we earn our living. He’s targeting Canadian families, workers and businesses and we cannot and will not let him succeed.”
The tensions between the two nations escalated in February, when US President Donald Trump announced tariffs of 25% on Canada and Mexico, as well as 10% on Chinese imports. The measures were initially delayed and took effect last Tuesday, with auto manufacturers and goods under the USMCA agreement exempted until April. Ottawa responded by imposing tariffs on American products worth $30 billion, with additional tariffs of $125 billion planned for the next month.
Carney stated further on Sunday: “The Canadian government is right to strike back with its own tariffs, which will have maximum impact in the United States and minimal in Canada. My government will maintain our tariffs until the Americans show us respect.”
Carney also addressed Trump’s provocative statement that Canada should become the 51st US state, commenting: “Canada will never and never be a part of America. We did not ask for this fight, but Canadians are always ready if someone else throws the first punch. The Americans should not make a mistake (..) In trade and hockey, Canada will win.”
The incoming Prime Minister warned, however, that “this win will not be easy.” The ruling Liberal Party called a leadership election after the resignation of Justin Trudeau in January, following a sharp decline in approval ratings due to inflation, housing crisis and economic problems. It is expected that Carney will be sworn in as Prime Minister in the coming days.