Liberal National Caucus | Mark Carney becomes economic advisor to Justin Trudeau

(Nanaimo) Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is tapping former Bank of Canada governor Mark Carney as his special economic adviser. His arrival was welcomed by Liberal MPs caucusing on Vancouver Island but mocked by the Conservative Party.

The Liberal Party of Canada has, more specifically, entrusted Mark Carney with the role of chair of the Leader’s Task Force on Economic Growth.

He will have to “identify new ideas for the next phase of Canada’s strategy aimed at economic growth and productivity,” the party announced in a press release on Monday.

Prime Minister Trudeau welcomed the arrival of the former governor of the Bank of England and currently the United Nations special envoy for climate finance.

He touted his “unique ideas and perspectives,” which will help “shape the next steps in our plan to continue growing our economy and strengthening the middle class.”

The new adviser argued that the world was “increasingly divided and dangerous,” but that it was nevertheless possible to profit from it.

“We can manage these risks and take advantage of the enormous opportunities that the new global economy offers us,” Mark Carney argued in the same party statement.

Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland said she was “very pleased” to welcome her “long-time friend” to the Liberal ship.

“His experience will add to our economic team as we work toward a more affordable, productive, innovative and growing economy for all Canadians,” she wrote on X.

The appointment comes as Liberals are meeting in caucus in Nanaimo, British Columbia.

Elected officials encountered in the corridors of the port city’s convention center also applauded the hiring.

“I think it will be very helpful to get a perspective outside of politics, especially from someone who is so well-known for his economic leadership,” said Services Minister Patty Hajdu.

“Having new blood in the party is good! It will show that we are working on a new vision,” said MP Marc Serré.

“Pierre Poilievre, he has no vision. His vision is hatred!” continued the northern Ontario MP.

Mark Carney, who is widely believed to have ambitions to succeed Justin Trudeau as Liberal leader, is expected to address MPs during the three-day retreat.

A way to silence the rumors?

The arrival of this economics specialist in the Liberal fold could allow questions about Justin Trudeau’s future at the head of the party to dissipate.

And the fact that the Liberal leader decided to recruit Mark Carney shows that he “is not intimidated by all those who talk about replacing him,” argued MP Jaime Battiste.

Among them are several Liberal MPs, who have been speaking to the media mostly under the cover of anonymity for several months.

But there is also the Conservative Party, which is not shy about fuelling speculation.

On Monday morning, again, the leader of the party in the House of Commons Andrew Scheer devoted a portion of his press briefing to what the Conservatives have dubbed “Carbon Tax Carney.”

“Just look at what Mark Carney said about the carbon tax! He loves it! It’s the same policies [que les libéraux] ” he denounced.

“Mark Carney supports all the extreme policies that have caused so much pain to Canadians,” added Andrew Scheer, who travelled to Nanaimo.

Liberal Party loses director, NDP chooses director

The Liberal Party caucus opened Monday, days after the announcement of the resignation of national Liberal campaign director Jeremy Broadhurst.

Also on Monday, the New Democratic Party (NDP) revealed the identity of the person who will lead its own party. It is Jennifer Howard, who is returning to service for a third election campaign.

“She is a capable leader, and having her lead our campaign efforts puts us on solid ground,” NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh said in a statement.

The Liberals have yet to name a successor to Jeremy Broadhurst, who is attending the Nanaimo caucus retreat.

This will end on Wednesday.

Parliamentary work, for its part, will resume on September 16.