You can save this article by registering for free here. Or sign-in if you have an account.

Six months ago, Canadians said they wanted change. They were frustrated — understandably so — by the growing cost of living, the shrinking economy, rising crime, and a government that seemed more interested in optics than outcomes. They said enough was enough. But when the ballots were counted, the country chose Mark Carney. A man who helped shape the very policies they claimed to reject.

Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.

Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.

Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.

Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.

Now, as we watch the first moves of the new Prime Minister, I have more questions than answers. And I suspect I’m not the only one.

Let’s start with what we already know. Carney was a senior advisor to Justin Trudeau. He stood behind the Liberal government’s approach, publicly defended its carbon pricing strategy, and cheered on the same spending habits that ballooned our national debt by over 50% since 2015. Yet many voters seemed to forget that. Or they were convinced — again — that the next Liberal leader would be different.

So far, I see no sign of that. And neither do Alberta Premier Danielle Smith or Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe, both of whom sent clear video messages to Carney in the days after his win. Their message was blunt: the West is watching. They called for respect, for fairness, and for a government that doesn’t treat them like an ATM. In contrast, Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew looked positively giddy, congratulating Carney like a kid who just got picked first for a schoolyard game.

Get the latest headlines, breaking news and columns.

By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.

A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder.

The next issue of The Winnipeg Sun's Daily Headline News will soon be in your inbox.

We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try again

Interested in........

© Winnipeg Sun