Canada's next PM Mark Carney vows transition will be 'seamless and quick' after meeting Trudeau

Canada's Prime Minister designate Mark Carney on Monday said that he will assume leadership from Justin Trudeau following his decisive victory in the Liberal Party's leadership contest.
"The transition will be seamless, and it will be quick," Carney said in Ottawa after meeting with Justin Trudeau, as they discussed the transfer of power following Carney's landslide victory in the Liberal Party leadership race.
The day following the leadership vote, Carney confirmed discussions with Trudeau regarding "the most important issues for our country, including Canada-US relations," news agency AFP reported.
However, Carney, aged 59, declined to comment on US President Donald Trump's threats against Canada, including tariffs and remarks about annexation. He noted that he was not yet prime minister and that, for now, Trudeau remained Trump's primary "interlocutor."
"This is a crucial time for our country," he added.
Carney, decisively won against his competitors in Sunday's Liberal leadership contest, securing 86 percent of over 150,000 ballots.
During his victory address to supporters, he adopted a resolute stance towards the United States. Carney said: "America is not Canada. And Canada never, ever, will be part of America in any way, shape, or form. We didn't ask for this fight, but Canadians are always ready when someone else drops the gloves."
"So, Americans should make no mistake… In trade, as in hockey, Canada will win. But this victory will not be easy. We are facing the most significant crisis of our lives. We will have to do extraordinary things … together," he added.
According to Canadian media sources, citing anonymous informants, the transition from Trudeau to Carney might occur by the weekend, though the exact timing remains unclear.
Irrespective of when Carney establishes his government, his tenure as prime minister could be brief.
Canada requires elections by October but might face an early vote within weeks. Present opinion polls indicate the opposition Conservatives hold a slight advantage.
The upcoming general election presents a significant challenge for Carney, who previously served as governor of both the Bank of Canada and Bank of England, but lacks experience in parliament or elected public office.