Mark Carney will be sworn in as Canada’s next prime minister on Friday, marking the final day of Justin Trudeau’s more than nine years in power.
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Governor General Mary Simon will preside over the swearing-in of Carney and his cabinet ministers, her office said in a statement.
Carney, the former Bank of England and Bank of Canada governor won the Liberal Party leadership race Sunday with more than 85 per cent of the vote. He met with Trudeau and Liberal lawmakers on Monday, hired a chief of staff, then travelled to southern Ontario Wednesday to sit down with Doug Ford, the province’s premier.
Carney takes over at a tumultuous time in Canada, which is in the midst of a trade war with long-time ally the United States under President Donald Trump and must hold a general election soon.
Trump has also stirred much anger in Canada with his repeated comments that Canada should be the 51st state. He has also publicly threatened to lay claim to Greenland and said he wants to take back control of the Panama Canal.
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Carney said Wednesday was ready to speak with Trump if Canada’s sovereignty was respected.