As Mark Carney enters his second year as Canada's prime minister, his popularity with the public is at an all-time high. The former central banker, who had never held elected office before replacing Justin Trudeau as Liberal leader, has enjoyed a lengthy political honeymoon both at home and abroad. Under his leadership, the Liberals won a minority government that later solidified into a narrow majority after five opposition MPs defected to his party.
Carney has been celebrated globally, with Time Magazine naming him one of the most influential people of the year. European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde called him a "rock-star" in the magazine's write-up, crediting him with being "the first to conceptualise the breaking point" of the old geopolitical order under Donald Trump.
However, Carney faces immense expectations. He has promised ambitious housing plans, turning Canada into an energy superpower, reducing dependence on the US, and fighting American tariffs. Now, Canadians are watching to see if he can deliver.
"The country has been willing to give him a lot of rope," said Carlene Variyan, an Ottawa strategist and former Liberal campaign spokesperson. "The question is whether he can be the mascot globally while taking care of his own people here at home."
Carney spent weeks abroad in his first year, visiting China, India, and the UAE to drum up business. His speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos, where he called for middle powers to counter "great power rivalry," raised his profile significantly.
David Coletto, a Canadian pollster, noted that it matters to Canadians that their leader is admired globally. Carney's poll numbers are at their highest yet, with 46% voter support, according to 338Canada. Much of this success stems from Trump's unpopularity in Canada, which has shifted voters' focus from domestic issues to external threats.
Yet, there are signs the honeymoon may end. Carney is under pressure to negotiate a win on the USMCA trade deal amid steep US tariffs on Canadian metals, automotives, and lumber. So far, no date has been set for formal negotiations.
Conservative opposition leader Pierre Poilievre criticized Carney for lack of action. "What has Mark Carney really done in a year? He hasn't held negotiations in five months," Poilievre said.
Affordability is also resurfacing as a major concern. Rising fuel prices due to the US-Iran conflict, high home prices, and youth unemployment are pressing issues. Carney recently announced a temporary fuel tax break and a one-time grocery rebate, but other promises, like doubling housing construction, have been "watered down," according to economist Mike Moffatt.
Still, with a majority government, Carney may have until 2029 before facing voters again. The true test, analysts say, will be whether he can balance his global role with delivering on domestic promises.