Liberal Party of Canada leadership candidate Mark Carney announced on Friday, February 28, 2025, that he has formally begun the process of renouncing his Irish and British citizenships, aiming to retain only his Canadian citizenship if successful. The former Bank of Canada governor shared the decision with reporters at a campaign event in Oakville, Ontario, emphasizing his belief that Canada’s prime minister should hold a single nationality.
“I’ve already contacted the governments of the United Kingdom and Ireland to start relinquishing my citizenships in both nations,” Carney stated. Born in Canada, he has held Irish citizenship for decades and acquired British citizenship in 2018, following his tenure as Governor of the Bank of England from 2013 to 2020.
Addressing the prevalence of dual citizenship in Canadian politics, Carney noted, “Many members of Parliament carry multiple passports, and past leaders of other federal parties, including the Conservatives, have done the same.” He referenced former Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer, who, during the 2019 election, pledged to renounce his U.S. citizenship—only to abandon the effort after losing, citing his non-prime ministerial role. “I’m not here to critique others,” Carney clarified. “My view is that, as prime minister, I should represent Canada with one citizenship alone.”
The announcement came amid a busy evening that saw Transport Minister Anita Anand, who represents Oakville, reverse her earlier decision to retire from politics. Anand credited Carney’s encouragement and his economic expertise for her choice to seek re-election. “Mark’s leadership through global financial challenges inspired me,” she told reporters. “With Canada facing an economic crisis—exacerbated by looming U.S. tariffs—I can’t step away now. Academia can wait; Canada needs us to act.” The tariffs, set to take effect Tuesday, March 4, 2025, stem from U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent trade policies.
Carney’s move sharpens his profile among the four remaining contenders—former Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland, former House Leader Karina Gould, and ex-Liberal MP Frank Baylis—in the Liberal leadership race. The party is selecting its next leader, and Canada’s next prime minister, following Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s January announcement of his resignation. The vote is slated for March 9, 2025, with Parliament resuming March 24.
A CBC News investigation previously revealed that, during the 2015-19 Parliament, at least 56 parliamentarians—44 MPs and 12 senators—were born abroad, with 22 holding foreign citizenships, underscoring the commonality of multiple nationalities in Canadian governance.