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Mark Carney was sworn in as Canada’s prime minister on Friday — and depending on the outcome of the next election, he could be the country’s shortest-serving leader.
Former prime minister Charles Tupper currently holds that distinction, serving in the role for just 69 days in 1896.
Given that Carney is expected to call an election before March 24 — the day Parliament is set to return — it’s possible that he could have a shorter time in office than Tupper if the Liberals lose the next federal vote.
Federal campaigns must be between 37 and 51 days in length, according to Canada’s election rules, and election day must fall on a Monday (with a few exceptions).
An election call within the next few weeks would put voting day in late April or early May — depending on what day the writ drops and the length of the campaign.
Sources speaking to CBC News have pegged April 28 and May 5 as two likely possible election days. That would mean Carney would have between 46 and 52 days as prime minister before the vote.
Recent polls have shown a resurgence in Liberal support in the past few weeks, but CBC’s Poll Tracker still suggests that a Conservative victory is the most likely outcome. But even if the Liberals lose, Carney wouldn’t stop being prime minister right away. There would be a transition period.
Carney himself was sworn into office in record time, but typically transition can take a few weeks. Justin Trudeau was sworn into office 16 days after winning the 2015 election and Stephen Harper was sworn in 14 days after the 2006 vote. Jean Chrétien was sworn in within 10 days of winning the 1993 election.
If the election is on the later date of May 5, a transition period of 16 days would give the Liberal leader a total of 68 days in the prime minister’s chair — one short of Tupper.
Source: Radio Canada
