OTTAWA – Prime Minister Mark Carney, who has been voted The Canadian Press 2025 Newsmaker of the Year, has been described by survey respondents as both a “diplomat” and a “political outsider.”
Carney was selected in an annual survey of editors and news directors in media organizations from across Canada.
Here’s what voters had to say:
“Arguably a political outsider who reversed a 20-point Liberal deficit to secure a large minority from the clutches of seemingly assured defeat.”
— James Armstrong, Global News
“His rise from global economic expert to prime minister and watching his plan for the country has been fascinating.”
— Kathie McMann, AM800 CKLW
“Mark Carney dramatically reversed the fortunes of the Liberal party, which was facing near certain defeat under Justin Trudeau.”
“Completely reshaped the face of the LPC in just a few months. Turned certain electoral defeat into an almost-majority. Managed to end (Alberta Premier) Danielle Smith vs. Ottawa rift with the MOU.”
“Hard to imagine Canadian political drama could draw near as much attention as the U.S., yet Carney somehow became a household name in mere months and has continued to alter the landscape.”
— Jennifer Chamberlain, Rogers
“A year ago, most Canadians probably didn’t even know his name. Now, Mark Carney is the prime minister, leading the country through a particularly tumultuous time.”
— Mackenzie Lad, The Globe and Mail
“The clear choice — taking over the Liberal party amid terrible polling, winning a snap election, quickly shaking things up within his own caucus, and already getting into some disputes with provincial leaders.”
— Greg Bowman, CityNews Vancouver
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 22, 2025.
