This morning, Mark Carney was sworn in as Canada’s 24th prime minister, after winning the overwhelming support of 85.9 percent of Liberal voters last Sunday and becoming Liberal leader.
As is the tradition, Carney held a post-swearing in press conference outside Rideau Hall, backed by his new 23-member cabinet— 20 of whom also served in previous Trudeau cabinets.
The Hub has compiled a list of key quotes from Carney’s press conference and inaugural speech.
1. On the idea of Canada becoming a 51st state
“We will never, ever, in any way, shape, or form, be a part of the United States. America is not Canada.”
“…Look at the ceremony we just had. You would not have that ceremony in America. Look at the cabinet behind me. You would not have that cabinet in America. You do not have that cabinet in America. We are a very fundamentally different country.”
In response to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio claiming earlier this morning in Quebec that, “economically speaking Canada would be better as the 51st state of the United States,” Carney said, “Crazy. His point is crazy, that’s it.”
2. On why he believes Trump will respect him more than Trudeau
“President Trump and I share some of the same experiences. I have been in the private sector, worked in the real estate sector, I have done large transactions. I have worked with him during his first presidency at the G20 and G7. I respect what he is looking to accomplish.”
When Carney was asked if he had plans to travel south to speak to the president he explained, “I don’t have plans to go to the United States. I look forward to speaking with [Trump] at the appropriate moment.”
3. Why he thinks Canada doesn’t need European allies to come to our defence
“I don’t think we need to hear it. We are masters in our own home. We are in charge. It’s always nice when people say nice things about you, but we don’t need it, we’re not seeking it. The discussions I will have on behalf of the government in Paris and in London will relate to opportunities that both our countries share, as well as our shared history.”
4. On his own version of Trudeau’s “Sunny Ways” and pushing back against Poilievre
“Canadians know that negativity isn’t strength, they know that negativity won’t pay the rent or mortgage. Negativity won’t bring down the price of groceries, and it won’t win a trade war.”
5. On Canadian identity and history
“The ceremony we just witnessed reflects the wonder of a country built on the bedrock of three peoples: Indigenous, French, and British. The opening and closing prayers evoke the original stewards of this land. They remind us of the deep roots from which we grow, and underscore the values to which we aspire.
The office of the Governor General links us through the Crown and across time to Canada’s proud British heritage. In a ceremony [that was done] in our two official languages, our bilingual identity makes us unique. And the French language enriches our culture. On these foundations, Canadians have built a dynamic nation that celebrates its diversity, that cares for the vulnerable in society, and that always strives for a better tomorrow.”
Later, he praised Radio-Canada, signalling his support for the public broadcaster.
“I’m complimenting the journalist from Radio-Canada. And I would like to compliment the very existence of Radio-Canada. And I’d like to reinforce that my government will be reinforcing it. It goes back to Canadian identity, culture.”
6. When asked if he plans to run in his home province of Alberta
“Today is not the day to announce where I will run.”
7. When will we finally have a federal election?
Although he is widely expected to call an election before the end of next week, Carney was coy about when he would be returning to Rideau Hall to meet with the Governor General.
“[Canadians] should expect to go to the polls before November.”
