Ottawa, May 3, 2025 — In his first news conference since the federal election, Prime Minister Mark Carney laid out his administration’s priorities, touching on upcoming challenges and foreign policy, particularly Canada’s relationship with the United States.
The Liberal Party, under Carney’s leadership, won 168 seats in Canada’s 343-seat House of Commons, securing a minority government. While the party is short of the 172 seats required for a majority, Carney emphasized the need for unity and collaboration within Canada and on the global stage.
Carney’s new cabinet is set to be sworn in during the week of May 12.
1. A Historic Royal Visit
In a move that highlights Canada’s sovereignty, Prime Minister Carney announced a visit by King Charles III and Queen Camilla later this month.
“This is a historic honour that matches the weight of our times,” Carney remarked, adding that the royal couple will formally open Canada’s 45th Parliament on May 27.
This strategic visit is seen as a gesture of solidarity and national pride, especially in the context of former President Trump’s remarks about Canada potentially becoming the 51st U.S. state. Carney remarked that the visit from the King would underscore the country’s independence and sovereignty.
The King, who serves as Canada’s head of state, will make the rare gesture of reading the Speech from the Throne, a role typically filled by the Governor General. This is only the third time in Canadian history that the monarch will carry out this task, the last being in 1977 with Queen Elizabeth II.
2. High-Stakes Talks with Donald Trump
Carney is set for a significant White House visit next Tuesday, just a week after securing his position as Prime Minister.
Relations between Canada and the United States have been strained due to Trump’s tariff threats and comments about making Canada part of the U.S. Despite these tensions, Carney made it clear that he intends to represent Canada’s interests firmly.
“My government will fight to get the best deal for Canada,” Carney stated, making it clear that there would be no rush to secure an agreement with the United States.
The primary focus of the talks will be tariffs, but Carney also signaled that a broader dialogue about the bilateral relationship would take place. The Prime Minister expects the discussions to be “difficult but constructive”.
Carney has also emphasized that Canada will focus on strengthening its ties with other “reliable” trading partners, pointing to recent discussions with European and Asian leaders.
3. A Call for Unity Amid Regional Divisions
With divisions within Canada highlighted during the election campaign, Carney extended an olive branch to Canadians who did not vote for his Liberal Party and to political rivals.
“It’s time to come together, put on our Team Canada sweaters, and win big,” Carney said, urging Canadians to unite in the face of challenges.
Carney acknowledged the concerns of voters, particularly around cost of living and public safety, which were key issues in the election. He promised to address these with focus and determination, stressing his commitment to working with political opponents in order to implement solutions for Canadians.
“I’ve heard the message loud and clear. The cost of living must come down, and communities must be safe,” Carney noted.
While the Conservatives, led by Pierre Poilievre, came in second, Carney has expressed openness to collaboration. Poilievre’s party campaigned heavily on cost of living and crime issues.
Poilievre lost his Ottawa-area seat, but Carney suggested that he could call for a special election to allow Poilievre to run for another seat, should he choose to do so. Poilievre confirmed he would contest a Conservative stronghold seat in Alberta in order to hold the Liberal minority government accountable.
Stay with Bloghear.com for continuing updates on this developing story.
