Former Bank of Canada governor Mark Carney declared his candidacy to succeed Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as the leader of Canada's ruling Liberal Party, aiming to address the country's struggling economy. Carney, 59, presented himself as an outsider during his campaign launch in Edmonton, distancing himself from Trudeau's administration, which has faced criticism.
Trudeau announced his resignation earlier this month amid dissatisfaction within the party due to low poll numbers ahead of this year's election. Carney's primary contender appears to be Chrystia Freeland, a former finance minister who clashed with Trudeau recently, prompting his resignation.
The incoming prime minister may have a brief tenure, with the minority government facing potential challenges in Parliament that could lead to an election favoring the Conservative Party. Carney, known for his financial expertise from leading both the Bank of Canada and the Bank of England, emphasized his focus on economic recovery during his campaign kick-off.
While Carney has a history of collaboration with Trudeau, including a recent appointment to chair an economic growth task force, the Conservative Party has critiqued his portrayal as an outsider, citing his longstanding ties to the Liberal Party. Carney's extensive background in finance, spanning roles at Goldman Sachs, central banks, and various corporations, underscores his commitment to his bid for Liberal Party leadership.
Having stepped down from his U.N. climate action and finance envoy role along with all commercial positions, Carney affirmed his full dedication to his Liberal Party candidacy, stating, "I resigned all my roles ... cut all my ties. I am all in."