OTTAWA — Justin Trudeau’s tenure as prime minister will officially end on Thursday, with Mark Carney set to be sworn in as Canada’s 24th prime minister by Governor General Mary Simon at 11am on Friday.
Rideau Hall confirmed the transition on Wednesday evening, marking the conclusion of Trudeau’s nine-year leadership. Carney’s swearing-in will be immediately followed by the induction of his new cabinet, which is expected to be smaller than the current 37-member team.
Several outgoing ministers, including Trudeau, have announced they will not seek re-election. However, questions remain over the roles of former ministers and Carney’s leadership rivals, Chrystia Freeland and Karina Gould, in the new cabinet. Gould was seen accompanying Carney at a steel mill visit on Wednesday, while Freeland was in New York receiving a medal from the Foreign Policy Association.
Another uncertainty surrounds Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly, who is expected to retain her position but is currently hosting the G7 foreign ministers’ meeting in Charlevoix, Que. The swearing-in ceremony coincides with the event’s closing press conference, raising questions about her attendance.
Carney’s tenure may be short-lived, as speculation grows that he will call a federal election before Parliament resumes from prorogation on March 24.
On Sunday, Carney secured a decisive victory in the Liberal leadership race, winning over 86% of party members’ votes. Following a Monday meeting with Trudeau, he pledged a “seamless and swift” transition.
Carney’s transition team has not yet responded to requests for comment.