Prime Minister Mark Carney has promised a sweeping transformation of Canada’s economy—the most ambitious since the end of World War II—as he prepares to confront growing tensions with U.S. President Donald Trump.
Speaking at his first press conference since leading the Liberal Party to a fourth consecutive mandate, Carney made it clear that his focus is on restoring Canadian sovereignty and resilience in the face of what he described as an increasingly hostile U.S. stance.
Though the Liberals narrowly missed securing a majority in Parliament, winning 168 of the 172 seats needed, Carney is in a strong position to push forward his legislative agenda.
Backed by a clear electoral mandate centered on resisting Trump’s aggressive trade policies and protecting Canada’s autonomy, Carney is positioning himself as a leader of strength and conviction.
“I’m in politics to do great things, not to be something,” Carney said. “Canadians have entrusted me with a mandate for bold, urgent change—and I will honor that with relentless action.”
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The former central banker, who previously led both the Bank of Canada and the Bank of England, did not mince words when discussing his priorities.
He announced plans to travel to Washington next Tuesday to meet with President Trump, aiming to address critical trade and security concerns. However, Carney tempered expectations, warning there would be no instant breakthrough.
“We must recognize that the old model of ever-increasing integration with the United States is over,” Carney stated. “Now, it’s about redefining how our sovereign nations will cooperate going forward. President Trump respects strength—and that’s what we will show.”
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Throughout the campaign, Carney repeatedly positioned himself as the only leader capable of standing up to Trump’s threats, a message that resonated with voters. He reaffirmed that position Friday, saying, “Canadians elected me to defend our interests and stand firm in the face of pressure.”
Central to Carney’s vision is a complete overhaul of the Canadian economy, aimed at reducing dependence on the U.S. and forging stronger ties with like-minded allies. He pledged to dismantle interprovincial trade barriers by July 1 and to maintain tariffs on American goods as long as the U.S. upholds its own protectionist measures.
“This is our moment to take control of our economic destiny,” Carney said. “Canada has the resources the world needs, and we reflect values the world respects.”
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Carney also committed to announcing his new minority government the week of May 12, with Parliament scheduled to reconvene on May 26. In a symbolic nod to Canada’s sovereignty, King Charles III will deliver the traditional speech opening the new session of Parliament—typically the role of the Governor General.
Carney emphasized the significance of this gesture, calling it a “historic honor” that underscores Canada’s independence amid rumors of Trump’s desire to see Canada become America’s 51st state.
Despite political divisions, opposition parties like the Conservatives and the Bloc Québécois urged national unity following the election results. Carney echoed this sentiment, saying that forging a new economic future would require cooperation across party lines and from every corner of the country.
As Canada embarks on what Carney describes as a generational transformation, one thing is clear: the prime minister is preparing to chart a new path—one that strengthens Canada’s global position while standing firm against external pressure.
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