It was a first ballot victory for Mark Carney.
The former Bank of Canada governor is the overwhelming choice to become the new Liberal leader and soon to be prime minister.
Carney took nearly 86 per cent of the 150,000 votes cast. Chrystia Freeland finished a distance second in the race.
“Canadians know that new threats demand new ideas and a new plan. They know that new challenges demand new leadership. Canadians want positive leadership that will end division and help us build together,” said Carney in his victory speech in Ottawa.
The prime minister designate also took aim at Donald Trump and his attack on the Canadian economy and our sovereignty.
“We didn’t ask for this fight. But Canadians are always ready when someone else drops the gloves. So the Americans—they should make no mistake. In trade, as in hockey, Canada will win,” said Carney.
The leadership election was called after Justin Trudeau’s decision to resign and prorogue parliament in January. Trudeau did so amidst declining popular support and internal pressure from some Liberal MPs to step down.
However, Trudeau’s political record in elections and his performance in the 2015 election to take the Liberals from third party status to a majority government was a main theme throughout the night.
“I leave as leader of the Liberal Party with the same belief in hope and hard work as when I started,” stated Trudeau. “Hope for this party and for this country, because of the millions of Canadians who prove every day that better is always possible. “
Mark Carney and Justin Trudeau embrace. Source: Carney’s official X account.
Meantime, a federal election could be called in the coming weeks, but that remains to be seen.
The House of Commons is set to resume on March 27 and the government will likely face non-confidence motions to try and trigger an election.
