Mark Carney Launches Campaign to Replace Trudeau, Promises to Revitalize Canada’s Economy
Former Bank of Canada governor Mark Carney has officially entered the race to succeed Justin Trudeau as Liberal leader, pledging to restore Canada’s economic strength during a time of global uncertainty. Carney, a Harvard and Oxford-educated economist with a history of guiding major economies through crises, announced his campaign on Thursday at a hockey rink near Edmonton, where he grew up.
“I’m doing this because Canada is the best country in the world, but it could be even better,” Carney told a crowd of over 125 supporters. He vowed to focus on building the fastest-growing economy in the G7, asserting that his expertise is exactly what the country needs to navigate an unpredictable global landscape.
Economic Vision for Canada
Carney, 59, criticized the Trudeau government for its lackluster economic performance, citing stagnant wage growth and a failure to prioritize economic issues. He promised to bring a laser focus to economic recovery, contrasting himself with Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, whom he called “the worst possible choice” to face potential challenges from figures like Donald Trump.
“While I’m focused on building our economy, he’s out chasing endorsements from Donald Trump and Elon Musk,” Carney said. “This is no time for politics as usual, and it’s not the time for lifelong politicians like Pierre Poilievre.”
Carney framed the next general election as a choice between his steady leadership and Poilievre’s “slogans, slander, and sound bites.” He emphasized his record of managing economic crises, including steering Canada through the 2008-09 recession as governor of the Bank of Canada and later leading the Bank of England through Brexit.
“I’ve helped manage multiple crises and saved two economies,” Carney said. “I know how business works, and I know how to make it work for Canadians.”
Centrist Appeal and Policy Proposals
Positioning himself as a centrist, Carney took aim at both the far right and the far left. He criticized Poilievre’s populist rhetoric while also rejecting the notion that increased government spending alone can solve societal problems.
He pledged to replace the Liberal government’s current carbon tax with “something more effective,” emphasizing the need for practical solutions to reduce emissions. Carney also dismissed Conservative accusations that he opposed key energy projects like the Northern Gateway pipeline, instead arguing for policies that balance economic growth with environmental responsibility.
Carney’s campaign kickoff in Edmonton was a nod to his roots in the Prairies, although he acknowledged he hasn’t lived in Alberta full-time for four decades. Currently based in Ottawa, he has yet to decide where he will run for a seat in Parliament.
Conservative Counterattacks
Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre wasted no time targeting Carney, branding him as a “Trudeau-like Liberal” and dubbing him “Carbon Tax Carney.” Poilievre criticized Carney for supporting carbon pricing and for allegedly blocking energy projects that could have reduced Canada’s dependence on the U.S. market.
“The economic radicals — Trudeau, Freeland, and Carney — have made us more dependent on President Trump,” Poilievre said, referencing Carney’s past roles in both government and private sector organizations like Brookfield Asset Management.
The Conservatives also questioned Carney’s financial ties, with MP Michelle Rempel Garner demanding transparency about his earnings during his time on Brookfield’s board. Carney dismissed the attacks, stating he has severed all business connections to focus entirely on his political aspirations.
“I’ve resigned all my positions — full stop. I’m all in for Canada,” he said.
An Uphill Battle
Despite the Conservatives’ current lead in the polls, Carney expressed confidence in his ability to lead the Liberals to victory. “I’m coming into this match knowing we are well behind, but we’re just getting warmed up,” he said. “The fight back starts now, and we’re going to win the general election.”
Carney’s entry into the race brings a heavyweight contender to the Liberal leadership battle, with his extensive experience in global economics and crisis management setting the stage for a high-stakes showdown against the Conservatives.
As Canada faces mounting economic and geopolitical challenges, Carney’s campaign will likely center on his ability to combine fiscal responsibility with progressive values — a message he hopes will resonate with voters seeking stability and growth in uncertain times.
Source : Swifteradio.com
