Premier Doug Ford extended a welcoming hand to the man destined to be Canada’s next prime minister, saying Mark Carney’s nomination as Liberal leader comes at a “critical” time for the country.
Carney, a former Bank of Canada governor, easily won the federal Liberal leadership race on the first ballot with the results announced during a party convention Sunday evening in Ottawa.
Carney claimed 85.9% of the more than 150,000 ballots cast with former deputy prime minister Chrystia Freeland taking 8% of the vote, Burlington MP Karina Gould earning 3.2% and Quebec MP Frank Baylis 3%.
Once Carney takes over from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Canada will need “strong leadership and co-operation,” Ford said, amid a tariff war with U.S. President Donald Trump.
“As premier of Ontario, I look forward to renewed federal leadership when it comes to supporting projects that will unleash the economic potential of Canada’s economy, including and especially by unlocking critical minerals across Ontario’s north and in the Ring of Fire,” Ford said in a statement posted to social media.
“The federal government needs to get out of the way and get behind these nation-building projects, so we can build a more prosperous and secure future for Canada.”
Ford said he looks forward to Carney living up to his vow to scrap the “expensive, job-killing” carbon tax, while maintaining funding commitments that are benefitting the province’s automotive and electric vehicle battery sectors.
“Our country faces significant challenges, but we also are blessed to live in a country of enormous potential and opportunity,” he said. “Ontario stands ready to help unlock this potential in partnership with the federal government and the other provinces and territories.”
Meanwhile, Ford extended Trudeau his “sincere thanks” for serving the country, adding that “we did not always agree, but we put country before party or ideology to help move Canada forward.”