Thu, 16 Jan 2025

Mark Carney runs for leader of Canada's Liberal Party

The former central banker for the UK and Canada pitched himself as a someone who can help a country navigate economic challenges.
Mark Carney, former Bank of Canada and Bank of England governor, has announced his candidacy for leader of Canada's governing Liberal Party. He launched his bid in Edmonton, Alberta, citing Canada's potential for improvement as the reason for his decision. Carney aims to succeed Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and lead the country into the next general election, which is set to take place this year. As an outsider with no elected government experience, Carney has positioned himself as a candidate who can bring financial expertise to address Canada's economic challenges, such as stagnant wages and a housing affordability crisis. He also highlighted the need for effective climate change policies, stating that the current carbon tax should be replaced with a more effective alternative. Carney's opponents in the Liberal leadership race include sitting members of parliament, including former finance minister Chrystia Freeland, who is expected to announce her bid soon. The winner will face off against the opposition Conservatives, led by Pierre Poilievre, who has championed small government and "common sense" politics. Carney criticized Trudeau's handling of economic matters, saying that his attention had wandered from the economy too often. He also distanced himself from Trudeau's policies, including carbon pricing, which he suggested should be replaced with a more effective alternative. The Liberal Party is set to elect its next leader on March 9th, and the next Canadian general election must be held on or before October of this year.
  >>