New Prime Minister Mark Carney has promised the biggest change to Canada’s economy since World War II.
He said the country must be ready to “stand up” to U.S. President Donald Trump.
Carney’s Liberal Party won a fourth term on Monday. His campaign focused on Trump’s threats to Canada’s economy and freedom.
The Liberals won 169 seats, just three short of a majority in parliament. After recounts, they lost one seat in Quebec but gained one in Ontario.
Carney spoke in strong terms at his first press conference since the win.
He said, “I am in politics to do great things, not to be something.”
“Now that Canadians have given me a strong mandate, I will work hard to earn their trust,” he added.
Focus on Trump
Carney said fixing ties with the U.S. is a top goal. He will visit Trump in Washington next Tuesday.
“Canadians chose me to stand up to President Trump,” he said. “I will act with focus and strength.”
He plans to deal with short-term trade issues and the long-term ties between Canada and the U.S.
Still, he warned that no major deal should be expected after the first meeting.
He said the old way of close Canada-U.S. ties “is over.”
“We must now ask how we will work together in the future,” he said.
Carney added that Trump “respects strength.” That’s why Canada must grow strong, he said.
Carney will boost the country’s roads, housing, and other systems.
Both the Conservative and Bloc Québécois parties have said Canada must stand together to fight U.S. trade taxes.
Carney, who has led both Canada’s and the U.K.’s central banks, said he will keep taxes on U.S. goods as long as the U.S. keeps theirs.
“This is an exciting time,” he said. “We are taking control of our future.”
He also promised to scrap trade walls between provinces by July 1. He wants more trade with trusted partners.
“Canada has what the world needs,” he said. “And we stand for values the world respects.”
He said he will name his new team during the week of May 12. Parliament will reopen on May 26.
King Charles III will open the new session. He is Canada’s head of state.
Carney called the event “a great honour in hard times.”
He added: “It shows our country is fully free,” hinting at Trump’s past talk of making Canada part of the U.S.
Usually, the Governor General gives this speech. But this time, the King will do it.
