In something of a political blowout, Mark Carney was elected on Sunday as leader of the Liberal Party and as the next prime minister.
He won with 85.9 per cent of the votes, a larger margin than many expected — even though he was the clear front-runner throughout the race.
His win was bigger than what outgoing Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had after his own leadership race in 2013, despite having than half the amount of time to campaign.
It means Carney has a strong mandate heading into political office for the first time.
Here’s what comes next for Carney, the Liberals and Canadian politics in general.
Is Carney the prime minister now?
No. He has to be sworn in first by Gov. Gen. Mary Simon.
Until then, Carney is the prime minister-designate. A date hasn’t been set for him to take office.
So, Trudeau is still prime minister?
Yes. Trudeau has said he’ll stay in the job for a few days or weeks to help with the transition. Once Carney is sworn in, Trudeau will officially resign.
Calls to determine who will work in Carney’s Prime Minister’s Office have already been happening, sources have told CBC News.
Does this mean we’re having a federal election?
It certainly looks like we’re heading that way. When exactly an election might happen, though, is less clear.
Carney is not currently an elected MP and doesn’t have a seat in the House of Commons.
