I had the honour of introducing Mark Carney to a packed room in Kelowna, where he delivered a political speech that truly connected with the audience. The energy in the room was undeniable91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵ”Carney didn91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵ™t just talk about Canada91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵ™s 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.

Carney91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵ™s 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 Canada91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵ™s banking system remained stable. His leadership during that time wasn91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵ™t just commendable91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵ”it was essential to our country91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵ™s ability to recover faster than most of the world.

What sets Carney apart is that his economic expertise isn91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵ™t 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 him91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵ”not 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 it91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵ™s 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 didn91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵ™t 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 today91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵ”Carney is gaining serious traction. A recent Léger 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 Poilievre91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵ™s lead is unshakable, but Carney is proving that wrong. The enthusiasm in the room today was genuine91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵ”people weren91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵ™t just listening, they were engaged, and they were hopeful. It91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵ™s one thing to have strong poll numbers; it91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵ™s another to see that support manifest in a room full of people who truly believe in a leader91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵ™s 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 doesn91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵ™t 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 Kelowna wasn91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵ™t just another political event91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵ”it 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 it91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵ™s powerful.

Mark Carney isn91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵ™t just ready to take on Canada91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵ™s biggest challenges91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵ”he91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵ™s the leader who can win, unite the country, and build a stronger future. After today, it91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵ™s clear that more and more Canadians see that too.

~Stephen Fuhr is a Canadian Liberal politician, who represented the riding of Kelowna91ÂãÁÄÊÓƵ”Lake Country in Canada's 42nd Parliament.