Finance
Mark Carney was sworn in as Prime Minister on Friday, formally replacing Justin Trudeau, according to media reports.
Carney, an economist, took the oath of office in front of General Mary Simon, the personal representative of Canada’s head of state, King Charles.
According to geopolitical observers, the shift in leadership is significant in light of deteriorating relations with the United States under the incoming Donald Trump government.
Carney, 59, has previously served as governor of both the Bank of Canada and the Bank of England.
According to reports, he took the oath in both English and French.
Carney has left behind others who were in the race to become leader of the ruling Liberal Party, despite not having enough political experience.
Carney’s background, however, boasts of dealing with complex economic crises.
Analysts believe that his first major hurdle will be to repair frayed US-Canada ties, which are thought to have reached an all-time low.
Carney allegedly intends to reorganize his Cabinet, with Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc taking on the international trade portfolio and Innovation Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne taking over as Foreign Minister.
The effort would seek to strengthen Canada’s connections in Europe, particularly in London and Paris, where Carney is set to travel next week.
Notably, Carney has succeeded Justin Trudeau, who was Canadian Prime Minister for more than nine years.
Carney emphasized in a statement his commitment to safeguarding Canadian sovereignty, saying he would only meet with Trump “when there is respect for Canadian sovereignty,” according to Reuters.
According to reports citing Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly, preparations are presently ongoing to set up a call between Trump and Carney.
Source: IANS
