Mark Carney was sworn in as Canada’s 24th prime minister last Friday, succeeding Justin Trudeau in a transition that had been widely anticipated to herald a tougher stance towards the United States.
His inaugural address outside Ottawa’s Rideau Hall bore testament to this expectation, as he responded firmly to recent remarks by US President Donald Trump, who had expressed a desire to see Canada as America’s 51st state, reports The Guardian.
“We will not, in any way, shape, or form, become part of the United States. We are fundamentally a different nation,” Carney asserted, drawing resounding applause from his supporters.
While reaffirming Canada’s commitment to working closely with the US administration, he underscored the necessity of mutual respect in bilateral relations. “Canada expects respect from you,” he declared, in a pointed message to Washington.
Less than a week before taking office, Carney secured a decisive victory with 85.9% of the vote against former finance minister Chrystia Freeland, former government House leader Karina Gould, and former MP Frank Baylis.
Notably, Carney has no prior electoral experience and does not hold a seat in the House of Commons, a rarity for a Canadian prime minister.
His tenure begins against the backdrop of a looming trade war with the US and the complexities of governing without parliamentary representation.
It is widely expected that he will call a general election in the near future to consolidate his position.
Economic uncertainties further compound the challenges ahead, with analysts warning that prolonged US trade tariffs on Canada could push the nation’s fragile economy towards recession, triggering successive waves of instability.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, speaking on Friday morning, reignited tensions by remarking that Canada would be “better off economically” as America’s 51st state.
When asked to comment on Rubio’s statement, Carney dismissed it outright, saying, “That is sheer madness. That’s all one can say.”
