Taiwo Popoola
The newly elected Prime Minister of Canada, Mark Carney, has been officially sworn in, putting him in a position to battle tariffs imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump that could devastate Canada’s trade-dependent economy.
Carney took the oath of office in the presence of Governor General Mary Simon, the personal representative of King Charles III, who is Canada’s head of state.
The former central banker reshaped his cabinet with a focus on dealing with Washington and cut several ministerial positions that he inherited from his predecessor, Justin Trudeau.
Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc is moving to the international trade portfolio and will be replaced by current Innovation Minister François-Philippe Champagne, while Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly remains in her post.
“We’re building a government that meets the moment. Canadians expect action, and that’s what this team will deliver—a smaller, experienced cabinet that moves faster, secures our economy, and protects Canada’s future,” Carney said in a post on X.
The moment capped a remarkable rise for the 59-year-old, who became the first Canadian prime minister without prior elected political experience.
Carney plans to travel to London and Paris next week, according to a diplomatic source. Canada has been working to strengthen alliances in Europe as its relations with the United States reach unprecedented lows.
Carney defeated his rivals on Sunday in the race to become leader of the ruling Liberal Party. He replaces Trudeau, who spent more than nine years in office.
Former Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland, whose shock resignation last December triggered a crisis that contributed to Trudeau’s departure, has been appointed Transport Minister.
