Opinion: Why Canadians can count on my dad as prime minister | Daily Hive

Opinion: My first vote is for the future we deserve — why Canadians can count on my dad as prime minister

Cleo Carney introducing her father, Mark Carney, at the Liberal Party of Canada convention in March 2025. (Liberal Party of Canada)

Written for Daily Hive Urbanized by Cleo Carney, daughter of Liberal Party of Canada leader Mark Carney, who is seeking election as prime minister.

What does it mean to vote for the first time as a young woman in Canada? For me, it means taking action to decide the future we deserve.

I’ll be voting for the first time in the most important election of my life — as a young woman, as a Canadian, and yes, as the daughter of our prime minister.

When I introduced my father at the Liberal leadership convention earlier this year, I was honoured to offer Canada a glimpse of the man my father is — someone who will stand up for Canada with the same devotion he brings to our family. But the next few days go beyond my faith in him. This moment is about my own responsibility to our nation.

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As an 18-year-old, I have seen and felt, firsthand, the uncertainty we share about Canada’s future.

I know this apprehension is not unique to my generation. It is also not unique to the present moment — it is human nature to fear what’s to come. However, the challenges Canada faces today are not insurmountable. Amidst this uncertainty, there’s an opportunity to take charge. And I believe this opportunity begins with our vote.

It is undeniable that the world I grew up in is changing fast: environmentally, economically, and politically.

The reality my generation has come to expect is one where the cost of basic necessities — groceries and child care — is higher than ever. Owning your own house is an unattainable dream for much of my generation. Canadians are overworked and often feel unheard. These are not easy issues to fix, and these problems are not partisan; they’re personal.

It is easy to feel powerless, and it often feels impossible to make change happen. But change can begin at every level when we show up. That is why I am grateful that there are people out there — people like my father — who are ready to do the hard work for me. For us. For Canada.

When I vote, I’ll be using my power to stand up for the future I want to see. Not just for myself, but for future generations. This will be the election of a lifetime, and decisions made today will shape my children’s lives. When they ask me about the content in their history books, I want to proudly say that Canada was on the right side of history. And I want them to know that I was part of it.

We need a leader with principles. Don’t get me wrong, policies matter. Politics matter. But at a time when we need to trust in each other more than ever, I need to trust that my representative will mean what they say and say what they mean.

Cleo Carney introducing her father, Mark Carney, at the Liberal Party of Canada convention in March 2025. (Liberal Party of Canada)

It is exceptionally easy to follow the loudest voice. To listen to the politicians who promise to fix everything but fail to follow through.

What I have come to recognize is that power lies in nuance. We need someone who can understand the complexities of world economies, budgets, housing crises, and energy crises. Someone who not just understands, but can implement solutions.

We also need someone who is experienced on the global stage — who knows how Canada can work with its allies as a leader to fill in the gaps. My dad may not be the loudest candidate, but he will always be a principled one. He listens when he could perform. He believes in honesty, not spectacle. That’s what quiet leadership is: work without the ego. And that’s what my dad brings to the table. He’s not running for the spotlight. He’s running so this country can work for all of us.

I am not asking you to vote for my father, but I am imploring you to consider what is at stake. Canada is at a turning point; change is coming whether we like it or not. If you want better, vote for better.

Whether you’re 18 or 80, your voice matters. In this case, using it can be as simple as checking a box, mailing in a ballot, or convincing your friends to vote. History is not decided for us, it is shaped by our collective actions every day. Vote. Use your voice. Use your power.

What kind of change do you want? Our future is too important to sit out of, and together this Monday, April 28, 2025, we decide our future.

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