Mark Carney, former head of Canada’s central bank and the Bank of England, has been elected Prime Minister of Canada, succeeding Justin Trudeau. His leadership begins during escalating trade tensions with the United States.

The conflict stems from Donald Trump’s decision to impose 25% tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico, and 10% on Chinese goods and Canadian energy, as part of his “Make America Great Again” agenda. Critics call the move hostile, warning it will raise U.S. prices on essentials like groceries and gas.

On Truth Social, Trump hinted at the impact, writing: “Will there be some pain? Yes… but it will all be worth the price.” He also suggested Canada could avoid tariffs by becoming America’s 51st state, accusing it of failing to stop the flow of drugs into the U.S.

Canada and Mexico vowed to retaliate with tariffs of their own on U.S. imports.

In his victory speech, Carney firmly rejected Trump’s pressure:
“America is not Canada. And Canada never, ever, will be part of America in any way.”
He accused the U.S. of trying to seize Canada’s resources, land, and independence, warning it would “destroy our way of life.”

Carney added, “We didn’t ask for this fight, but we are ready… We must take care of each other in the tough days ahead.”