Mark Carney became Canada’s twenty-fourth prime minister on Friday during a ceremony at Rideau Hall, pledging a new approach to governing Canada.
Surrounded by family, dignitaries, and close supporters, the Liberal leader took the oath of office administered by Governor General Mary Simon.
His swearing-in marks the end of Trudeau’s nearly nine-year tenure, which concluded with a farewell tweet.
“Thank you, Canada — for trusting in me, for challenging me, and for granting me the privilege to serve the best country, and the best people, on earth,” Trudeau tweeted.
Gerald Butts, a former top Trudeau adviser who resigned in 2019 amid the SNC-Lavalin scandal and who once led the Eurasia Group think-tank where Carney’s wife worked, attended the ceremony as a guest.
Carney, former governor of the Bank of Canada and Bank of England, now faces immediate challenges.
He announced a streamlined cabinet focused on tackling global trade tensions and plans to call a spring election to seek his own mandate.
Trudeau left the Prime Minister’s Office on Thursday.
A photo shared online by conservative group Canada Proud showed empty office shelves, with critics joking he “left the cupboards bare.”
NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh praised Trudeau’s dedication.
“I want to congratulate Prime Minister Trudeau on his time in office, and wish him well. He served our country through tumultuous times,” tweeted Singh.
“Whatever disagreements we have had, his love for Canada is always evident. Public service is a great privilege, but can require sacrifice — especially for families. I know PM Trudeau has always been there for his kids, and I hope as he steps away from politics he gets to enjoy more time just being a dad.”
Simon formally approved Carney’s cabinet during the ceremony, which closed with attendees singing O Canada.
Carney, who has emphasized economic stability, now faces pressure to unite a divided electorate ahead of the expected election.