Dark, Dark Days! Carney Takes on Trump in His First Speech

In his first speech as Canada’s newly elected Prime Minister, Mark Carney took a strong stand against US President Donald Trump, accusing him of “attacking Canadian workers, families, and businesses” with “unjustified tariffs.” Carney, overwhelmingly chosen as Justin Trudeau’s successor on March 9, 2025, with 85.9 percent of nearly 152,000 Liberal Party votes, vowed to protect Canada’s sovereignty and economy amid escalating trade tensions with the United States.

Speaking in Ottawa, the 59-year-old former governor of the Bank of Canada and Bank of England painted a grim picture, describing “dark, dark days” precipitated by Trump’s policies. “He’s trying to weaken our economy, but we cannot let him succeed—and we won’t,” Carney declared to thunderous applause. He pledged to impose retaliatory tariffs designed for “maximum impact” on the US, promising they would remain until “the Americans show us respect.” Carney also emphasized diversifying trade with “reliable partners” and securing Canada’s borders.

The new PM accused the US of coveting Canada’s resources, water, and land, asserting, “Canada will never be part of America in any way, shape, or form.” Framing the standoff as a fight Canada didn’t seek, he confidently added, “If it comes to that, we will win.” His rhetoric reflects a sharp pivot from Trudeau’s tenure, blending economic pragmatism with nationalist fervor.

Carney’s landslide victory over Chrystia Freeland, Trudeau’s former deputy who secured just eight percent of the vote, underscores his appeal as a seasoned leader amid crisis. Set to be sworn in this week, Carney faces a looming trade war and a federal election by October 2025. His defiant stance signals a bold new chapter for Canada’s Liberals as they confront Trump’s economic challenges head-on.