Mark Carney is preparing to take the reins as prime minister after winning the Liberal leadership in a landslide victory, securing 85.9% of the vote.

The former Brookfield Asset Management chair met Monday with outgoing PM Justin Trudeau to discuss the transition to a new government. Carney’s overwhelming win signals a decisive shift from outgoing Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Recent polling shows the Liberals have rebounded strongly since Carney launched his leadership bid.

The former Bank of Canada and Bank of England governor has been credited with successfully navigating tough economic times such as the COVID-19 pandemic and Brexit.

He continued to frame himself as Canada’s best bet against threatened U.S. tariffs, and wasted no time in attacking Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre and portraying him as weak in the face of U.S. President Donald Trump.

“Donald Trump thinks he can weaken us with his plan to divide and conquer,” said Carney during his victory speech. “Pierre Poilievre’s plan will leave us divided and ready to be conquered.

“Because a person who worships at the altar of Donald Trump will kneel before him, not stand up to him. Pierre Poilievre’s slogans are not solutions.”

Poilievre countered Sunday by accusing Carney of driving up taxes, housing costs and food prices, moving thousands of jobs to the U.S. while previously advising the Trudeau government.

Carney said the transition to a new government will be “seamless” and “quick.” He later addressed Liberal MPs, emphasizing unity and a commitment to defending Canada against trade threats from Trump, the Globe reported.

Carney and Trump are expected to speak in the coming days, with Carney planning to deliver a firm message that Canada is under “new management” and ready to negotiate on trade disputes, the Globe reported. Trump is set to impose a 25% tariff on Canadian steel and aluminum this week, with additional levies on energy and critical minerals to follow.

Speaking to reporters Monday, Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly condemned Trump’s rhetoric about Canada being the “51st state.”

“Canadians are mad. We are insulted about all this rhetoric,” she said.

She also praised Ontario Premier Doug Ford for implementing a 25% surcharge on electricity exports to the U.S. and urged other premiers to take similar steps.

Despite the political turbulence, Carney has moved quickly to assemble his cabinet and election platform, according to the Globe.

The Globe previously reported that Finance Minister Dominic Leblanc, Joly, and Public Safety Minister David McGuinty will likely retain their roles to maintain stability in negotiations with the U.S. An election call is imminent, with the voting date slated for either April 28 or May 5, according to the Globe.

Citing unidentified sources, the Globe reported Monday that Marco Mendicino, a current MP and former cabinet minister who is not seeking re-election, will serve as Carney’s chief of staff. Mendicino accompanied Carney to the meeting with Trudeau.

Former finance minister Chrystia Freeland placed a distant second in the Liberal leadership race with only 3.2% of the vote.

Photo: Ivey School of Business