Most Canadians are in favor of Carney revealing his assets prior to election day

A recent national survey reveals that a significant majority of Canadians are calling on Liberal leader Mark Carney to disclose his business assets and any potential conflicts of interest prior to election day.

The Leger poll, commissioned by the National Post, found that 67 percent of Canadians believe Carney should "voluntarily reveal his business interests" before voters head to the polls at the end of the month. Carney has faced increasing scrutiny for his refusal to disclose the assets placed in a blind trust after assuming the Liberal leadership. Although meeting the minimum legal requirement, he has claimed to the media that he has gone further by filing his disclosure with the ethics commissioner.

Throughout his career, Carney held several prominent positions in the private sector, including chairing Brookfield Asset Management until he transitioned into politics. Despite this, he has consistently dismissed suggestions of any lingering conflicts of interest. However, it's worth noting that in 2018, Brookfield entered into a 99-year, billion-dollar lease agreement for a New York City property from Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of former U.S. President Donald Trump.

The deal involved a total payment of USD $1.1 billion upfront. Carney retains $6.8 million in Brookfield options. Furthermore, while serving as the Governor of the Bank of England, Carney engaged in several high-profile meetings with senior officials from communist China, leading to various agreements between the two nations, including allowing foreign companies to operate within each other's borders. These dealings have led some to speculate that Carney may have numerous conflicts of interest, prompting calls for him to be transparent before voters make their choices. The Leger poll indicated that while 64 percent of Canadians believe their voting decision is final, one-third (33 percent) remain open to changing their minds. Only 17 percent think Carney should not disclose his assets, and another 16 percent are uncertain—meaning this issue could sway many undecided voters. This concern resonates particularly among current Liberal and NDP supporters, with a third of Liberal voters and over half (57 percent) of NDP voters indicating they might reconsider their choices. In contrast, 73 percent of Conservative voters believe their decision is final. Carney has often reacted defensively to reporters' inquiries about his potential conflicts of interest, even labeling such questions as "odd.

" However, he recently acknowledged that he would "probably" need to recuse himself from certain decisions due to these concerns. During a press conference focused on increasing defense spending in Iqaluit, Nunavut, Carney admitted that discussions would take place concerning areas in which he had conflicts. "Yes. We are having discussions, and a trust has been created. Along with the Ethics Commissioner, probably some screens will be put in place," he said. In response to Carney's acknowledgment, Conservative Deputy Leader Melissa Lantsman insisted that he must "fully disclose his financial interests and all conflicts." "Canadians deserve to know before they cast a ballot," she stated. Conservative MP Micheal Barrett has also criticized Carney for his defensive demeanor towards reporters, urging him to disclose his assets "if he's got nothing to hide." "Canadians should easily be able to look up his disclosures, but he's waiting until after the election," Barrett remarked in a video shared on X.

"If he has nothing to hide, he could come clean today and inform Canadians about what's in his blind trust and what conflicts of interest may exist, yet it seems Mark Carney believes there's no need for transparency." Author: Quinn Patrick.