OTTAWA -- Prime Minister Mark Carney, who has been voted 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 was first published Dec. 22, 2025.