59-year-old Mark Carney was appointed leader of The Liberals in Sunday. He succeeds Justin Trudeau, who has led the country since 2015.
Canada's 24th prime minister takes over at a time when the relationship with the USA is tense. President Donald Trump's trade war and statements about wanting to incorporate his northern neighbor as the USA's 51st state have stirred up many emotions.
We will never, in any form, be part of the USA. America is not Canada, says Carney after taking the oath in Ottawa.
We are, in a fundamental way, another country.
Carney adds that he has hope to still be able to "work together" with Trump's government.
To Paris and London
Normally, the new Canadian leader's first foreign trip goes to the USA. But in Carney's case, a visit to Europe – with stops in Paris and London next week – is instead on the agenda, reports BBC with reference to sources.
The purpose of the trip is "urgent discussions about tariffs and trade".
Mark Carney has been head of both the Bank of Canada and the first non-citizen head of the Bank of England. He has also worked in leading positions for the investment bank Goldman Sachs.
In his speech as newly elected party leader on Sunday, he promised to take on Trump.
He attacks Canadian families, workers, and companies. We cannot let him succeed, he said.
Election later this year
General elections await Canada later this year, where the rival Conservative Party seems to have an advantage. But support for The Liberals has increased again as Canadians have rallied behind their leaders in response to Trump's policies and verbal attacks.
Justin Trudeau announced his resignation in January, following growing discontent both internally in the party and among the Canadian population.
