Newly-appointed Liberal leader Mark Carney told reporters on Parliament Hill Monday afternoon that though he is not yet installed in the role of prime minister, it won’t be long.
“I’m not prime minister yet,” replied Carney when asked about next steps in the trade war with President Donald Trump.
Carney, who won the Liberal leadership contest on Sunday afternoon in a landslide outcome where he secured 85.9% of the votes, had just attended a Liberal caucus meeting, hosted by outgoing prime minister Justin Trudeau.
“I just spoke with the prime minister at length on issues around the transition. It'll be quick,” said Carney.
“The truth is you will be seeing probably more of me than you want.”
Trudeau announced his “intent to resign” on January 6. He did not call an election, as per constitutional convention, but rather prorogued Parliament while the Liberals held a leadership race.
The unelected Carney will become the official prime minister once he is sworn into office. The date is yet to be determined. Until then, Trudeau will cling to his role.
Carney however has already appointed Marco Mendicino, former public safety minister, as his chief of staff.
“I went to caucus today… we are a Liberal team, and so it's incredibly important for me to hear directly from the members of caucus, the concerns of Canadians on the ground, their priorities,” said Carney.
“As I said last night, they're the voices of their communities, and they're the conscience of the party.”
“We know this is a crucial time for our country. We're united to serve Canadians, and we will build this country.”