Ottawa [Canada]: Mark Carney, the newly elected leader of the Liberal Party and Canada’s next Prime Minister, expressed gratitude to Justin Trudeau for his decade-long leadership, setting the tone for a new chapter in Canadian politics.

"Thank you, Prime Minister Trudeau. For your hard work, for your leadership, and for your great service to our country," Carney said, acknowledging Trudeau’s contributions before addressing the path ahead for the Liberal Party and Canada.

The transition of leadership was marked by a reflective and emotional speech from Trudeau at the Liberal Leadership Convention, where he looked back at the party’s accomplishments under his tenure. "I am damn proud of what we've done over these past 10 years for the middle class and the people working hard to join it," he told the audience.

Trudeau underscored the responsibility of ensuring Canada remains a strong and progressive nation. "There is a responsibility to ensure that Canada stays the best country on Earth!" he said, urging his supporters to continue fighting for the values the party stands for.

In one of his final addresses as Prime Minister and Liberal leader, Trudeau emphasized the fragility of democracy and freedom. "Democracy is not a given. Freedom is not a given. Even Canada is not a given. None of those happened by accident. None of them will continue without effort."

Reflecting on Canada’s political journey, Trudeau recalled how former Prime Minister Lester B Pearson raised the national flag on Parliament Hill 60 years ago, a symbol of unity and progress. "Sixty years later, there are still so many more chapters to write. And I can tell you, the world is looking to see what Canadians will do," he noted.

Trudeau also spoke about the party’s revival under his leadership, remembering its third-place status when he took over in 2013. "It's when you try to count us out that we Liberals show our true mettle," he asserted. He also gave special mention to two of his closest allies—his longtime chief of staff, Katie Telford and his photographer, Adam Scotti—who have been with him throughout his leadership journey.

In a heartfelt moment, Trudeau’s 16-year-old daughter, Ella-Grace Trudeau, introduced him at the event, praising his dedication and expressing excitement about spending more time together outside of politics. "Dad, I'm so proud of you," she said. Speaking in French, she reflected on the challenges of growing up as the Prime Minister’s daughter, dealing with security concerns and public attention. "It was not easy having the country's PM as a father," she admitted.

The leadership race also saw speeches from the candidates who vied for the position—Carney, former Finance minister Chrystia Freeland, MP and ex-House leader Karina Gould and Montreal business leader Frank Baylis. Their discussions focused heavily on key issues such as trade tensions and the future of Canada’s economy.

Carney, who will soon be sworn in as Prime Minister by the Governor General, will face the immediate challenge of deciding whether to call an early election or wait until Parliament resumes on March 24. Trudeau had earlier indicated that he expects the transition to be completed "in the coming days or week".

ANI