I had the honour of introducing Mark Carney to a packed room in 琉璃神社, where he delivered a political speech that truly connected with the audience. The energy in the room was undeniable鈥擟arney didn鈥檛 just talk about Canada鈥檚 challenges, he provided real, thoughtful solutions. His remarks resonated deeply with the audience, reinforcing why he is the leader Canada needs at this critical moment. After his speech, I had the opportunity to spend some one-on-one time with him on the ride from the hotel to the airport. That private conversation only strengthened my belief that he is the right person to lead Canada forward.

Carney鈥檚 credentials are second to none. As the former Governor of both the Bank of Canada and the Bank of England, he has successfully managed economic crises on a global scale. During the 2008 financial crisis, while economies around the world were reeling, Carney played a key role in ensuring that Canada鈥檚 banking system remained stable. His leadership during that time wasn鈥檛 just commendable鈥攊t was essential to our country鈥檚 ability to recover faster than most of the world.

What sets Carney apart is that his economic expertise isn鈥檛 tied to partisan politics. He was appointed Governor of the Bank of Canada by Conservative Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Finance Minister Jim Flaherty, a move that speaks volumes about his competence. At a time when Canada needed stability and experience, the Conservatives turned to him鈥攏ot because of political alignment, but because he was simply the best person for the job. That kind of credibility is rare in politics today, and it鈥檚 exactly what Canada needs now.

One of the biggest challenges Canada faces today is our economic relationship with the United States. With the rise of protectionism, the threat of tariffs, and an unpredictable political landscape south of the border, Canada cannot afford to be caught flat-footed. Carney didn鈥檛 shy away from this reality. He made it clear that Canada must be prepared to stand firm in the face of U.S. economic pressures, and he laid out a real plan to do so. His strategy includes diversifying trade relationships, strengthening domestic industries, and ensuring that Canada is not left vulnerable to the shifting winds of U.S. politics.

Polling confirms what I saw firsthand today鈥擟arney is gaining serious traction. A recent L茅ger poll shows that if he were leading the Liberals, they would be tied with the Conservatives, effectively wiping out the lead Pierre Poilievre has enjoyed for over a year. Abacus Data polling suggests Carney has a unique ability to expand the Liberal voter base, appealing to Canadians who might otherwise feel disengaged from the political process.

This is a significant shift. For months, the narrative has been that Poilievre鈥檚 lead is unshakable, but Carney is proving that wrong. The enthusiasm in the room today was genuine鈥攑eople weren鈥檛 just listening, they were engaged, and they were hopeful. It鈥檚 one thing to have strong poll numbers; it鈥檚 another to see that support manifest in a room full of people who truly believe in a leader鈥檚 ability to change the country.

While Poilievre has built his brand around criticising the Prime Minister as a person, that strategy is becoming increasingly questionable now that Trudeau is no longer on the ballot. For years, Poilievre has relied on personal attacks rather than presenting a substantive vision for Canada. His rhetoric might energise his base, but it doesn鈥檛 offer real solutions to the challenges the country faces. He is quick with a soundbite, but when it comes to actual economic policy, his experience is paper-thin. His simplistic talking points about inflation and government spending might make for good clips online, but they lack the depth needed to lead a country through real economic challenges. Carney, on the other hand, has spent his career making difficult decisions that impact real economies, real businesses, and real people.

What I witnessed today in 琉璃神社 wasn鈥檛 just another political event鈥攊t was the beginning of something bigger. The energy in the room was real. People left feeling hopeful, not just about the prospect of a Carney-led Liberal Party, but about the future of the country. After years of political division and economic uncertainty, that kind of optimism is rare, and it鈥檚 powerful.

Mark Carney isn鈥檛 just ready to take on Canada鈥檚 biggest challenges鈥攈e鈥檚 the leader who can win, unite the country, and build a stronger future. After today, it鈥檚 clear that more and more Canadians see that too.

~Stephen Fuhr is a Canadian Liberal politician, who represented the riding of 琉璃神社鈥擫ake Country in Canada's 42nd Parliament.