Mark Carney, an economist and former central bank governor, has been sworn in as Canada’s new prime minister, replacing Justin Trudeau after nine years in office. Carney, a political newcomer, won the Liberal leadership race by a landslide and took office amid ongoing trade tensions with US President Donald Trump.

In his first remarks, Carney firmly rejected Trump’s suggestion of Canada joining the US, calling it “crazy” and reaffirming Canada’s independence. He also announced the immediate removal of Trudeau’s consumer carbon pricing policy while maintaining industrial carbon taxes.

Carney’s leadership comes at a crucial time, with Trump’s tariffs threatening Canada’s economy. He has pledged to uphold retaliatory tariffs and intends to visit the UK and France on his first international trip. Key Trudeau-era ministers remain in his cabinet to manage relations with the US.

His main political rival, Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, has criticized the Liberals’ track record and vowed to counter Trump’s tariffs if elected. Meanwhile, NDP leader Jagmeet Singh has accused Carney of favoring corporate interests over social issues, highlighting his lack of dedicated ministries for women, youth, or people with disabilities.