OTTAWA – POLITICS 2.0 – Mark Carney’s under fire from the federal New Democrats. The former Bank of Canada Governor and current Liberal leader is now facing renewed scrutiny over his financial transparency.
In a release, the New Democrats say that “Public disclosures from late 2024 showed that Carney held $6.8 million in stock options at Brookfield Asset Management, where he previously served as Vice Chair”.
However, the NDO say that during a recent media appearance, Carney sidestepped two direct questions regarding whether he still holds those options today.
“I actually don’t own – directly – any stocks in those companies,” Carney stated, later adding, “I own nothing – now.”
The NDP are quick to point out that stock options – which give the holder the right to purchase shares at a set price in the future – are not the same as owning the stock itself.
But they do represent potential financial gain and a continuing financial interest. As someone with Carney’s financial expertise, NDP critics argue, he clearly understands this distinction.
Adding to the confusion, Carney claimed he has “no investments at all,” saying he owns only “cash and personal real estate.” Yet, if that were the case, it raises questions about the existence of his blind trust, a financial arrangement typically used by political figures to avoid conflicts of interest while retaining assets they are temporarily prohibited from managing directly.
Why It Matters for Canadians – and Thunder Bay
As Thunder Bay and Northwestern Ontario continue to weigh their representation in Ottawa and the direction of national economic policy, transparency from potential leaders is crucial. Trust in political figures begins with clear and honest disclosures — especially when large financial holdings are in play.
The New Democrats state that Mark Carney’s shifting statements now risk becoming a distraction not only for his political prospects but also for a government already grappling with affordability, ethics, and leadership questions.
What’s Next?
Calls are growing for Carney to fully disclose what was placed into his blind trust — and to confirm whether those Brookfield stock options were part of it. With increased pressure from both the media and opposition figures, the coming days may force more clarity from the man many believe could one day seek to lead the country.
