Mark Carney has decisively taken the helm of the Liberal Party of Canada (LPC), winning the leadership race with an astonishing 85.9% of the votes during the election held on March 9, 2025. This victory also positions him to become the next Prime Minister of Canada, following his predecessor Justin Trudeau.
Carney's election capped off a challenging six-week campaign, which featured significant topics pertaining to the future of Canada’s relationship with the United States, especially against the backdrop of heightened tensions and trade wars instigated by former President Donald Trump. Carney’s closest rival was Chrystia Freeland, who managed to garnerjust 8% of the support. Other candidates included Karina Gould, who received 3.2%, and Montreal businessman Frank Baylis, securing 3.0% of the votes used.
The election concluded shortly before the polls closed at 3 p.m. Eastern Time, where nearly 148,000 of the 163,000 verified Liberal Party members participated. The event was highly anticipated and featured the attendance of notable figures, including Justin Trudeau, who was set to deliver his farewell address, alongside former Prime Minister Jean Chrétien, who underscored the importance of unity amid the political strife.
The leadership election utilized a preferential ballot system, which means members ranked their choices, impacting the allocation of points. To win, one must secure the majority of the 34,300 points on offer, which equates to 17,151 points. This format adds layers of strategy as candidates negotiate the preferences of their supporters.
Upon his victory, Carney addressed his supporters at the Roger Centre, where he pledged to build "a stronger country for all" and acknowledged his past experiences governing and advising various organizations, which he believes prepared him for this role. He emphasized the need to be proactive amid international pressures, particularly criticizing Trump’s administration for imposing what he described as “unjustified tariffs” on Canadian goods.
“The Americans want our resources, our water, our territory... our country. Think about it. This is going to destroy our way of life,” Carney declared to his audience, reflecting his firm stance against foreign challenges to Canadian sovereignty.
Carney’s election has raised questions about the future stability of the Liberal Party, especially with Parliament prorogued until March 24, 2025, and with the looming threat of a parliamentary vote of confidence. Strategic party insiders hint at the possibility of quick elections to consolidate power, with dates potentially falling on April 28 or May 5.
Greenpeace Canada has reacted positively to Carney's election, with senior energy strategist Keith Stewart calling on all parties to discard Trumpist policies and support environmental sustainability. “We are at a turning point in our history, and now is the time we commence our work. The best response to unprecedented attacks against our livelihoods and democracy is to become an even stronger Canada,” Stewart stated.
Following Carney's election, Chrétien also introduced proposals for Canada to tax energy exports to the United States as part of strengthening Canada’s position against American tariffs. “If necessary, the governments can collectively think about going farther and hitting Americans where it really hurts,” he urged, finding resonance among the assembled crowd.
Likewise, Trudeau offered poignant reflections as he prepared to step down after nearly ten years as prime minister. He acknowledged the challenges posed by the Trump administration and asserted Canada’s dedication to fight back against economic policies against its interests. “We will act diplomatically when we can, but we will fight when we must,” he warned, calling upon Canadians to brace themselves for the upcoming political tumult.
Ella-Grace, Trudeau's daughter, made her emotional debut addressing the crowd, expressing pride for her father’s advocacy for the needy and conveying eagerness to spend more time together away from the spotlight of political obligations. “I can’t wait to see him more at home than online,” she remarked.
Meanwhile, political rivals wasted no time in acknowledging Carney's election. Jagmeet Singh, leader of the New Democratic Party, offered congratulations but emphasized the necessity of uniting against perceived threats, particularly from the South. The Bloc Québécois leader, Yves-François Blanchet, reminded the public of the significant political shift as Canada awaits its new unelected Prime Minister.
Carney's ascendance to the prime ministerial office implies new directions for Canadian policies. He plans to accelerate plans to eliminate the carbon tax and halt the rise of capital gains tax. “A government led by me will immediately eliminate the carbon tax for consumers,” he promised during his victory speech, which was received well by party members enthusiastic for change.
The narrative of the election night encapsulates the present state and future aspirations of Canada within the comparative international political sphere. “The next federal election will be the most important of our lives. The stakes have never been higher,” asserted Carney about defining the upcoming electoral confrontation with the Conservative Party led by Pierre Poilievre.
Carney’s ability to maintain party unity and counter international challenges posed by economic pressures will define his leadership as he embarks on this ambitious new chapter for Canada.