Former Bank of England chief pledges to defend Canadian sovereignty and take a tougher stance on trade with the US
Mark Carney, former Governor of the Bank of England, has assumed the role of Prime Minister of Canada at a pivotal moment, as tensions with the United States over trade and sovereignty intensify. Regarded as a direct counter to Donald Trump, Carney used his acceptance speech to strongly criticise the former US president’s policies and commend Canadians for resisting economic pressure.
During his campaign, Carney made it clear that US-imposed tariffs would remain in place “until Americans show us respect.” He also underlined that the broader threats to Canada’s independence were just as significant, emphatically rejecting any suggestion that the country could become an extension of its southern neighbour.
With a wealth of experience in managing global financial crises—including the banking collapse, the eurozone turmoil, and the economic impact of Brexit—Carney is preparing a calculated economic response to Trump’s strategies. Among his proposals is the potential redirection of Canada’s energy exports towards Europe, reinforcing trade ties with what he considers more “reliable” partners, including the UK and the EU.
Beyond economic measures, Canada’s new leadership is determined to strengthen international alliances against protectionist policies and uphold multilateralism. Carney has already signalled an expectation of support from the UK, stressing the historical and strategic connections between the two nations.
Although the Canadian general election is scheduled for October, speculation is growing that Carney may call an early vote. If this happens, the G7 Summit in June could serve as a high-profile stage for a direct showdown between Canada’s new leader and Donald Trump, further elevating the geopolitical stakes of their ongoing dispute.
