CTV News reported that Carney secured the leadership position after winning the first ballot of the Liberal leadership race on Sunday. The swearing-in ceremony will take place at Rideau Hall at 11 am EDT, as announced by Canada’s Governor General Mary Simon’s office.
On his first day as Liberal leader, Carney met with outgoing Prime Minister Trudeau at the Prime Minister’s Office to discuss the transition period. Carney emphasized that the changeover would be “seamless” and “quick.” Since then, Carney has held several meetings with key officials in Ottawa and beyond, working behind the scenes to ensure a smooth transition, both bureaucratically and in terms of security.
Carney, the former Governor of the Bank of Canada and the Bank of England, has placed all his assets into a blind trust, according to a spokesperson. Trudeau will officially tender his resignation on Friday, after which Carney will take the oath of office and allegiance.
Canada’s new Prime Minister will also unveil his new cabinet, which will include several main players who had supported him during the leadership race, particularly those focused on managing the relationship with the US under President Donald Trump.
Carney will take office amid polling that shows the Liberals and Conservatives are neck-and-neck, with growing concerns in Canada regarding ties with the US. The same polls suggest that Trudeau will leave office with his favourability at a 12-month-high.
In his final speech as Liberal leader, Trudeau reflected on the party’s accomplishments over the past decade and encouraged his supporters to continue striving for Canada’s future. “Democracy is not a given. Freedom is not a given. Even Canada is not a given,” he stated, adding that these ideals require ongoing effort.
After his resignation, Trudeau was seen exiting Parliament playfully, carrying a chair and sticking his tongue out. According to political columnist Brian Lilley, Canadian lawmakers traditionally take their chairs when leaving Parliament, but he noted that Trudeau’s playful exit could signal an upcoming election.