US relationship is over' Canada faces dramatic reshaping of alliances

In his victory speech early on Tuesday, Mark Carney wasted little time calling for a dramatic reshaping of his government's relationship with the United States, arguing that threats from Donald Trump cast doubt on Canada's ability to be a "free, sovereign and ambitious" nation.

- Leyland Cecco

The former central banker and investment executive had for months focused his electoral campaign on the threats from Canada's largest trading partner and longtime political ally.

Carney, a self-professed lover of policy mechanics, has pledged to redevelop Canada's economy to reduce its reliance on the US - a daunting task, given that bilateral trade contributes to a fifth of Canada's gross domestic product.

And in what should have been a celebratory address, he took on a somber tone.

"Our old relationship with the United States, a relationship based on steadily increasing integration, is over. The system of open global trade anchored by the United States - a system that Canada has relied on since the Second World War, a system that while not perfect has helped deliver prosperity for our country for decades - is over," he said.

He also called for national unity, aware of the geographic and political frictions that had until recently suggested Canadians would elect a Conservative government.

"My message to every Canadian is this: no matter where you live, no matter what language you speak, no matter how you voted, I will always do my best to represent everyone who calls Canada home," Carney said.