In a compelling endorsement, guest columnist Catherine Ford has reaffirmed her longstanding view that Prime Minister Mark Carney remains the most intelligent choice to guide Canada through turbulent economic times. Writing in January 2026, Ford reflects on Carney's ascent to the country's 24th prime minister, a role he assumed following a period of national discord in 2025.
A Legacy of Recognized Intellect
Ford traces her conviction back nearly 15 years, to a time when a television network was searching for Canada's smartest person. She declared then that the search was over, naming Mark Carney, who was at the time the Governor of the Bank of Canada. She dismissed the notion that a "non-politician" was unfit to lead, arguing that true leadership relies on reason over political theatrics. "It's the emotional quotient that matters, not the intelligence quotient," she wrote, contrasting Carney's style with the often superficial nature of reality television.
The Voice of Reason in Economic Uncertainty
Ford urges Canadians to listen to Carney's speeches, which she says are devoid of the political agenda that typically clouds public discourse. She positions him as the essential, reasoned voice for citizens anxious about the economy. She highlights a template for success that Carney outlined years ago in a speech to the Canadian Club in Toronto, which remains critically relevant. In it, Carney identified four key realities for Canadian businesses: a productivity gap, underexposure to fast-growing emerging markets, the prospect of sustained elevated commodity prices, and the benefit of Canada's resilient financial system.
His imperative was clear: Canadian companies must invest in productivity improvements and expand into emerging markets. Carney argued that such investment would boost the debt-carrying capacity for everyone through higher wages, greater profits, and increased government revenue. "This should be our common focus," he stated—a message Ford insists is a direct blueprint for the nation's current challenges.
The Anatomy of Leadership and Timing
Ford concludes by examining the nature of intelligent leadership, suggesting it often combines good timing, luck, and sound management. She references Harvard professor Howard Gardner's 1995 book, Leading Minds: An Anatomy of Leadership, which describes leadership as presenting a "dynamic perspective" to followers. Gardner emphasized that a leader's story must resonate with the audience's identity and make sense at that specific historical moment. For Ford, Carney's economic narrative and proven intellect have arrived at precisely the right time for a Canada seeking stability and direction after a difficult year.
