Justin Trudeau bids farewell with a playful exit as Carney prepares to lead amid tense US-Canada trade relations
Ottawa [Canada], March 13: Mark Carney, the newly elected leader of the Liberal Party, will be sworn in as Canada’s 24th Prime Minister on Friday, alongside his cabinet, marking the official transition of power from Justin Trudeau, according to CTV News.
After securing victory in the Liberal leadership race on Sunday, Carney has swiftly moved to assemble his team, promising a “seamless and quick” changeover. His swearing-in ceremony will take place at Rideau Hall at 11 AM EDT, as confirmed by Canada’s Governor General, Mary Simon’s office.
Carney’s Transition and Cabinet Picks
In his first meeting as Liberal leader, Carney sat down with Trudeau at the Prime Minister’s Office to discuss the timeline for the transition. Over the past few days, he has been holding key meetings with top officials in Ottawa and beyond, coordinating both bureaucratic and security aspects of the power shift.
Trudeau will officially tender his resignation on Friday before Carney takes the oath of office and allegiance. Following this, Carney will announce his cabinet, which is expected to include many ministers central to Canada’s trade and diplomatic relations, particularly in handling US President Donald Trump’s recent tariffs.
Trudeau’s Exit: A Legacy and a Playful Goodbye
As Trudeau prepares to step down, he took a moment to reflect on his decade-long leadership. Speaking at the Liberal Leadership Convention, Trudeau expressed pride in his government’s achievements and emphasized the need to continue fighting for Canada’s democratic values.
“I am damn proud of what we’ve done over these past 10 years for the middle class and the people working hard to join it,” Trudeau said in his farewell address.
“Democracy is not a given. Freedom is not a given. Even Canada is not a given,” he added, urging his supporters to stay engaged in the political process.
In a lighthearted moment, Trudeau was seen leaving Parliament carrying his chair, with his tongue playfully sticking out. As per Parliamentary tradition, outgoing lawmakers are allowed to take their chairs with them—a moment that many saw as a symbolic and humorous farewell.
Political columnist Brian Lilley noted on X (formerly Twitter):
“When any MP leaves the Commons, they are allowed to take their seat with them. I find it a great tradition, one that I support. That said, this is a weird photo of Trudeau leaving with his. Also, perhaps another sign of a looming election.”
Carney’s Challenges Ahead
As Carney assumes office, he faces a high-stakes political landscape. Recent polls indicate a tight race between the Liberals and Conservatives, with growing concerns over Canada-US relations and domestic economic challenges.
Despite stepping down, Trudeau leaves office with his highest favorability rating in 12 months, a signal that his leadership remains a key influence in the party’s future direction.
As Carney prepares to take charge, all eyes will be on his first policy moves, especially in handling Trump’s tariffs, strengthening Canada’s economy, and uniting a divided electorate.
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Mark Carney, Canada PM, Justin Trudeau, Liberal Party, Canada Politics, US-Canada Relations, Trade War, Donald Trump, Ottawa, Canadian Parliament, Rideau Hall