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Mark Carney's swearing-in as Canada's prime minister marks a significant shift in the country's leadership, particularly in light of the deteriorating relations with the US under President Donald Trump's administration. Carney, a 59-year-old former governor of the Bank of Canada and Bank of England, took the oath of office in both English and French, pledging allegiance to King Charles III and vowing to serve as a "faithful and true servant to his majesty".
The ceremony, attended by Governor General Mary Simon, signifies Carney's ascension to the top post, despite lacking prior political experience. This unprecedented move has sparked interest, especially given Carney's background in navigating complex economic crises. His first major challenge will be addressing the strained US-Canada relations, which have hit an all-time low.
To tackle this, Carney plans to reshape his cabinet, with Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc shifting to the international trade portfolio and Innovation Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne taking over as finance minister. This strategic move aims to bolster Canada's alliances in Europe, particularly in London and Paris, where Carney is scheduled to visit next week.
Carney's leadership bid was successful, with him winning the Liberal Party leadership race on Sunday. He replaces Justin Trudeau, who served as prime minister for over nine years. Carney's outsider status, combined with his experience in managing crises, was seen as a major factor in his victory.
