Tensions Rise as Mark Carney Emerges as Canada’s Next Prime Minister

Tension between Canada and America continues to rise as the newly elected leader of Canada’s Liberal Party, Mark Carney, this week vowed to face U.S. President Donald Trump in an escalating trade dispute.

Carney, who was a former governor of both the Bank of Canada and the Bank of England, made the statement after winning a landslide victory in the Liberal Party’s leadership race, which positions him to take over as prime minister, replacing Justin Trudeau.

His victory comes at a critical moment, as Canada navigates economic and political tensions with the U.S. and an upcoming general election, which could be called within weeks.

During his victory speech in Ottawa, Carney made it clear that he intends to fight back.

“Americans should make no mistake,” he said. “In trade, as in hockey, Canada will win.”

Meanwhile, the Conservatives have wasted no time in attacking Carney. The opposition party portrays him as a continuation of Trudeau’s leadership rather than a fresh start. They also accused him of misleading the public over his involvement in the decision to relocate investment firm Brookfield Asset Management’s headquarters from Toronto to New York.

Despite the looming election battle, Carney remains focused on standing up to Trump, warning that Canada can no longer trust its southern neighbor.

China Join World Leaders to Congratulates Mark Carney Amid Rising Trade Tensions

China on Monday congratulated Mark Carney following his victory in Canada’s Liberal Party leadership race, a move that positions him as the likely next canada prime minister.

The two nations have had a strained relationship since 2018, when Canadian authorities arrested Meng Wanzhou, a senior executive at Chinese tech giant Huawei, at the request of the United States. In retaliation, Beijing detained two Canadian nationals, further souring diplomatic ties.

Trade tensions between the two nations have also flared in recent months with Beijing announcing new tariffs on key Canadian exports, including rapeseed oil and pork, following an investigation into levies Ottawa placed on Chinese goods last year.

China’s Foreign Ministry recognized Carney’s victory, as spokesperson Mao Ning stated at a regular press briefing, “China always upholds that bilateral relations should develop based on mutual respect, equality, and mutual benefit.”

“We hope that the Canadian side can maintain an objective and rational understanding of China, and pursue a positive and pragmatic policy towards China,” she added.

U.K and France Join to Congratulate Mark Carney

The United Kingdom and France have also joined other world leaders to congratulate Mark Carney on his appointment as the new Canada’s Prime Minister, while also paying tribute to Justin Trudeau’s nearly decade-long leadership and underscoring the importance of Canada’s global partnerships.

President Macron praised Canada’s enduring relationship with France, crediting Trudeau for strengthening diplomatic and economic ties between the two nations.

“Congratulations to the future Prime Minister of Canada, @MarkJCarney. At a time when we are facing so many challenges, the ties between France and Canada are stronger than ever,” Macron wrote on X.

The UK opposition leader Keir Starmer also emphasized the close relationship between the UK and Canada, expressing optimism about working with Carney on shared global priorities.

“Congratulations to @MarkJCarney on his appointment as Canada’s new Prime Minister. I look forward to working closely with him on shared international priorities, including in the G7, and to further deepening the UK-Canada relationship together,” Starmer posted.

This swift international response to Carney’s appointment underscores Canada’s influence in global affairs, particularly in areas such as economic stability, environmental policies, and international trade.

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Aviation Workers Issue 14-Day Ultimatum To Federal Government

The Nigerian aviation workers issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Federal Government which runs from March 7 to March 21 demanding for the removal of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) area controller at the pilgrims and cargo terminal of Muritala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos over the customs officers assault on the director of Security at the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria.

In a strongly worded statement, the unions accused Customs personnel of excessive behavior at Nigeria’s airports and demanded a reduction in their presence at airport facilities, particularly in Lagos, in line with global aviation standards.

The workers, backed by three major unions—the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN), the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), and the Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP)—are also calling on President Bola Tinubu to redeploy all officers involved in the alleged attack.

The union warned that failure to redeploy the officers within the 14-day deadline could lead to disruptions in airport operations, particularly in Lagos.

MTN Nigeria Receives Part Payment from Banks to Resolve USSD Debt Dispute

The largest network provider in Nigeria, MTN, has confirmed the partial payment of a 32 billion naira deposit from banks as a resolution to the prolonged debt dispute over unpaid USSD service charges. According to MTN’s financial report for the period ending December 31, 2024, the payment represents a portion of the 74 billion naira referenced in regulatory directives.

The payment follows a directive from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), aimed at addressing outstanding debts that have strained relations between telecom operators and financial institutions since 2019.

The Chairman of the Association of Licensed Telecommunications Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), Gbenga Adebayo,  acknowledged progress on the issue.

“The situation has de-escalated. Payments have been made, and we are seeing movement in the right direction, thanks to regulatory intervention,” he said.

The latest payment marks a significant step toward resolving the long-standing financial dispute, ensuring continued access to USSD-based banking services for millions of Nigerians.

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