Mark Carney, a foundation board member of the World Economic Forum and former governor of the Bank of Canada, may enter the Liberal leadership race following Justin Trudeau' resignation.
For months, Carney has actively engaged with Liberal MPs — calling dozens seeking advice and support for a potential leadership run, according to reports.
"I’m taking steps that support that," he said in October when asked if he'll run for political office. "I'm in the trenches. I mean, you can't map these things out. Of course, there's value in that."
Carney participates in WEF events, particularly at the annual Davos meetings. He was involved in various panels and discussions, speaking on topics like monetary policy, global economic outlook, and more recently, the economic aspects of climate change and sustainable finance.
"A revolution is taking place in financial systems," he said in a WEF statement.
The WEF introduced the controversial "The Great Reset" in response to global upheaval caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Critics argue the reset promotes an agenda that may lead to increased government control over economic and social systems, potentially at the expense of individual liberty.
"We need a reset on the way we deal with climate change, which, like the pandemic, is a global phenomenon," said Carney.
"No one can 'self-isolate' from climate change, so we all need to act in advance and in solidarity."
Trudeau, like Carney, spoke at several WEF Davos meetings, where he interacted with international leaders on topics like economic inclusion, climate change, and gender equality.
Carney serves as the chairman of Brookfield Asset Management, and is also the head of transition investing.
His role as advisor to Justin Trudeau while working for Brookfield has raised concern over a potential conflict of interest.
Reports suggest that Brookfield, under Carney's leadership, was in talks to create a $50 billion investment vehicle with a significant portion coming from Canadian taxpayers, which is perceived by some as a benefit to Brookfield due to Carney's influence.
This led to accusations of Carney using his political advisory role for corporate gain.
"Carney is the incarnation of elite presumption, predictably wrong on every issue — and if crowned leader of the Liberal Party of Canada, will crash and burn just like Michael Ignatieff," wrote journalist John Robson of the The Dorchester Review.
