Mark Carney, former governor of the Bank of Canada, has been sworn in as the country’s new prime minister, forming a streamlined cabinet of 24 members, down from 37.
Carney was elected leader of the Liberal Party last Sunday in Ottawa, and since then, he has worked to distinguish himself from his predecessor, Justin Trudeau, who served for over nine years.
In his first act as prime minister, Carney appointed a cabinet that is expected to last only a few days due to the upcoming federal election. “We are a very focused government, focused on action, and we will work immediately,” Carney said at Rideau Hall. “Canada’s new government is focused on what matters to Canadians.”
Carney’s government aims to protect Canadian workers from U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs and grow Canada’s economy by “putting more money in Canadians’ pockets.” He campaigned on the slogan “spend less and invest more,” emphasizing the need to expand trade corridors with Canada’s allies.
“The smaller cabinet is a reflection of the crisis we are facing,” Carney explained. “All ministers are senior and on the front lines.”
Eight former ministers, including Trudeau, have announced they will not seek re-election in the upcoming federal vote.
The new cabinet is meeting for the first time this Friday afternoon, and Carney will travel to London and Paris next week to meet with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron. Carney has not yet spoken with U.S. President Donald Trump.
Earlier, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, speaking at a G7 foreign ministers meeting in Charlevoix, Quebec, echoed President Trump’s remarks suggesting that Canada would benefit from becoming the 51st U.S. state. In response, Carney called the suggestion “crazy” and quipped that Canadians would go to the polls “definitely before November.”
In a private meeting with Governor General Mary Simon earlier that morning, Trudeau officially resigned and recommended Carney form the new government. Trudeau also shared a farewell message on social media, expressing gratitude to Canadians for their trust and the privilege of serving the nation.
“Thank you, Canada — for trusting in me, for challenging me, and for granting me the privilege to serve the best country, and the best people, on earth,” Trudeau wrote.
