Daijiworld Media Network - Ottawa

Ottawa, Mar 14: Mark Carney was officially sworn in as Canada’s 24th prime minister on Friday, stepping into office amid rising tensions with US President Donald Trump over trade tariffs that threaten Canada’s economy.

In a historic ceremony overseen by governor general Mary Simon, Carney took the oath in both French and English, becoming the first Canadian prime minister with no significant political background. His appointment follows the resignation of Justin Trudeau, who ended nearly a decade in power.

Prioritizing US relations, Carney has reshuffled his cabinet, moving finance minister Dominic LeBlanc to international trade and appointing Francois-Philippe Champagne as the new finance minister, Reuters reported.

The new prime minister has taken a tough stance against Trump’s economic policies, vowing to keep retaliatory tariffs on US goods in place “until the United States shows Canada some respect.” He has also dismissed Trump’s repeated remarks about annexing Canada, making it clear that he will only meet the US president when “there is respect for Canadian sovereignty.”

Efforts are underway to arrange a call between Carney and Trump in the coming days, according to Canadian foreign minister Melanie Joly.

With his minority government on fragile ground, Carney is expected to call a snap election within two weeks a move that could shape Canada’s political future amid escalating tensions with Washington.