OTTAWA, Jan 17, (V7N) – In a major political shake-up, former Bank of Canada governor Mark Carney has officially launched his bid to become the next leader of the Liberal Party and Canada’s prime minister.

Speaking to an energized crowd at a hockey rink in Edmonton, the 59-year-old economist vowed to "get Canada’s economy back on track" and take a hard stance against Donald Trump’s renewed tariff threats. Carney pitched himself as an outsider with real-world economic experience, promising bold solutions to the country’s challenges.

His entry sets up a high-stakes showdown with former deputy prime minister Chrystia Freeland, who’s expected to join the race this weekend. This leadership battle comes after Justin Trudeau’s surprise resignation amid internal party tensions, leaving the Liberals trailing far behind Pierre Poilievre’s Conservatives in the polls.

Carney didn’t hold back, slamming Poilievre’s policies as "naive and dangerous" while admitting that Canada’s climate strategies, including the carbon tax, have fallen short for many Canadians.

On a lighter note, Carney brushed off Donald Trump’s bizarre suggestion that Canada should become the 51st U.S. state, joking on The Daily Show, "We can be friends. Friends with benefits."

With the Liberals facing mounting pressure and possible snap elections, all eyes are now on Carney as he shakes up Canada’s political landscape.

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