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

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“His rise from global economic expert to prime minister and watching his plan for the country has been fascinating.”

— Kathie McMann, AM800 CKLW

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“Mark Carney dramatically reversed the fortunes of the Liberal party, which was facing near certain defeat under Justin Trudeau.”

— Steve Murphy, CTV

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“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.”

— Xiaoli Li, CityNews

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“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

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“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

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“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.

The Canadian Press