Former Bank of England Governor Mark Carney has won the race to succeed Justin Trudeau as Canada’s prime minister and Liberal Party leader.
Carney, 59, will lead the party into the next general election, which is expected to be called in the coming weeks.
In his victory speech, Carney lashed out at US President Donald Trump, who has ignited a trade war with Canada and made comments about making the country the 51st US state.
Carney, who has never served in elected office, takes power at a time of deep instability for Canada. The Liberals have been trailing Conservatives in opinion polls, though they have narrowed the gap since the trade war with Trump began.
The leadership race began in January after Trudeau resigned following nearly a decade in office. He had faced internal pressure to quit over deep unpopularity with voters.
Carney is expected to be sworn in as prime minister in the coming days, and will lead a minority government in Parliament.
He could either call a snap general election himself or the opposition parties could force one with a no-confidence vote later this month.
After being declared winner on Sunday night, Carney said: “Canadians know that new threats demand new ideas and a new plan.
“They know that new challenges demand new leadership. Canadians want positive leadership that will end division and help us build together.”
On Trump, he said the US president had placed “unjustified tariffs” on Canada.
“He’s attacking Canadian workers, families, and businesses,” said Carney. “We can’t let him succeed.”
He said his government would keep tariffs on US imports “until the Americans show us respect”.
