Mark Carney has officially taken office as the 24th prime minister of Canada, succeeding Justin Trudeau after winning the majority of the Liberal votes. As he prepares to lead his party into the next federal election, Carney’s extensive resume in banking and economics is well-known. He was previously the Governor of the Bank of Canada and the Bank of England, a senior associate deputy minister of finance, and an adviser to the British prime minister.
But beyond his political career, there are a few things that might surprise many Canadians about their new leader.
A Citizen of Three Countries
Carney holds citizenship in three countries—Canada, Britain, and Ireland. His grandfather immigrated to Canada from Ireland, and though he holds all three passports, Carney plans to renounce his British and Irish citizenships, according to The Irish Times.
His Signature is on Canada’s Banknotes
As the former Governor of the Bank of Canada, Carney’s signature appears on Canadian banknotes, from $5 to $100 bills. A handwriting expert described his signature as a reflection of someone who is “quick-witted, confident, and tenacious.”
Trump Compared to Voldemort
Carney is outspoken about his disdain for U.S. President Donald Trump. When Trump suggested Canada could become the 51st U.S. state, Carney responded, calling the comment the “Voldemort of comments,” adding, “I will not even repeat it, but you know what I’m talking about.”
Born in a Tiny Town
Carney’s roots are humble. He was born in Fort Smith, Northwest Territories, a town with a population of just over 2,000. His family later moved to Yellowknife and eventually settled in Edmonton when Carney was six years old.
A Hockey Dreamer
Before venturing into economics, Carney dreamed of becoming a professional hockey player. He played goalie for Laurier Heights and later was the backup goalie for Harvard University’s hockey team. Although he didn’t make it to the NHL, hockey has remained a passion of his. His wife, Diana Fox, a British economist, was also a hockey player on Oxford’s women’s team.
A Family of Educators
Raised in a family where education was highly valued, Carney’s mother was a teacher, and his father worked in public service before becoming a professor at the University of Alberta. He fondly recalls how their house was filled with books and discussions about current events.
The “George Clooney” of Central Banking
When Carney was appointed as the first Canadian Governor of the Bank of England in 2013, his charm and style earned him comparisons to Hollywood stars like George Clooney and Don Draper. In an interview, Carney humorously downplayed the comparison, saying, “It’s a very low bar.”
From Paperboy to Prime Minister
Like many, Carney worked various jobs in his youth. He was a paperboy for the Edmonton Journal and even worked as a landscaper during summer breaks from Harvard.
An Author and Bestseller
In addition to his impressive career, Carney is also an author. His book, Values: Building a Better World for All, became a national bestseller. It focuses on creating a society and economy driven by human values rather than market values. As Carney steps into his role as prime minister, Canadians can expect more from their new leader—someone with a diverse background, a sharp mind, and a passion for creating positive change.
