Carney has promised to stand up for Canada amid brewing trade war with Trump and speed up sluggish growth in national economy

To win the next election, the new prime minister must quickly prove he is Canada’s best hope of managing relations with the White House.

The former central bank chief takes over at what he has called a “time of great consequence” for Canada, with Trump attacking its sovereignty and economic security.

Carney, 59, replaces Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who announced his resignation in January but remained in power until the Liberal Party elected a new leader. Carney is widely expected to trigger a general election in the coming days or weeks.