MNI BRIEF: Carney Sworn In As PM, Names Champagne To Finance
MNI (OTTAWA) - Mark Carney was sworn in as Canada's prime minister Friday and he began by naming Francois-Philippe Champagne as the new finance minister as they prepare to navigate an election and a trade war against the United States.
Champagne had been serving as industry minister and won praise for drawing investment to the country's electric battery industry. It also gives Carney a key ally in Quebec where he needs to win big in the next election where polls show a tight race with Conservative Pierre Poilievre. Anita Anand replaced Champagne industry minister, who earlier served in defence and oversaw vaccine purchases during the pandemic and has a deep knowledge of competition policy.
The former BOC and BOE Governor Carney also named his leadership rival and former finance minister Chrystia Freeland to the transport portfolio. (See: MNI: Carney To Take On Trump, Be Fiscally Cautious - Ministers) Carney is due to speak to reporters later today. Carney stuck with Justin Trudeau's previous ministers of energy, foreign affairs and defence.