Joly to help lead economic 'transformation' in new role, Carney says

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Carney’s first question from reporters was about Mélanie Joly being shuffled out of the foreign affairs file after she had built relationships with U.S. lawmakers.

The prime minister said while resolving trade issues with the U.S. is a priority, so is building Canada’s economy internally — which Joly will have a hand in as the new industry minister.

Joly has "many talents and very much experience, and can play many roles," Carney said.

"Our primary focus is on the Canadian economy and we’re at the start of an industrial transformation, a transformation of this economy — and Madame Joly … as minister of industry is going to help lead that,” he said.

Carney also said the most important relationship with the U.S. is between the prime minister and the president.