Mark Carney sworn in as Canada’s new PM

In a surprise move, former central banker Mark Carney was sworn in as the 24th Prime Minister of Canada, succeeding Justin Trudeau. Carney's inauguration comes at a critical juncture, as the country faces the threat of punitive U.S. tariffs that could devastate the Canadian economy.

Carney, who previously served as the Governor of the Bank of Canada and the Bank of England, crushed his rivals in the race to become the leader of the ruling Liberal Party. Despite his lack of prior elected experience, Carney secured the party's nomination with an overwhelming 85.9% of the vote.

In his inaugural address, Carney struck a conciliatory tone towards the United States and President Donald Trump, who has maintained a combative relationship with the outgoing Trudeau administration. "I, we, respect the United States. We respect President Trump," Carney stated.

The new Prime Minister's comments come in the wake of escalating trade tensions between the two North American neighbors. The Trump administration has recently imposed tariffs on Canadian imports, a move that could have severe consequences for the Canadian economy. Carney has vowed to diversify Canada's trade partnerships, reducing the country's reliance on the U.S. market by strengthening ties with Europe and Asia.

Despite the challenges ahead, Carney remains optimistic about the future. "It's crazy," he said, dismissing rumors of the Trump administration's alleged plans to annex Canada. The new Prime Minister is expected to call a snap election in the coming weeks, seeking to solidify his mandate and navigate the country through these turbulent times.

Canadians will be closely watching Carney's approach to resolving trade disputes and maintaining the country's sovereignty in the face of external pressures. As the international community closely monitors the situation, the new Prime Minister's ability to navigate these complex geopolitical waters will be crucial for Canada's future.