Can Mark Carney win over Alberta voters?

With nearly 86 per cent of the vote, Mark Carney secured a landslide win in the Liberal leadership race to replace Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, being elected to lead the party into the next federal election.

One political expert says his resounding endorsement is an indication Canadians are looking for a new direction and a leader who is equipped to take on the current challenges south of the border — but will it be enough to win over Albertans?

“He won every riding in Canada, that’s quite a resounding endorsement,” says Mount Royal University political scientist Lori Williams.

The former governor of the Bank of Canada and Bank of England brings strong economic credentials to the table and Williams says the Edmonton native could appeal to a broader range of Albertans, but he’ll have his work cut out for him to win over conservatives in the province.

“His policy positions will probably play a very significant role, certainly in how Alberta conservatives vote,” she says.

Williams stays his stance on energy and the environment, including striking a balance between oil and gas and other energy sources, and where he stands on pipelines and exports, will be the things many Albertans will be looking for.

Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre will undoubtedly continue his push to tie Carney to the history of the Liberals and point out his past involvement of advising the party.

The Conservatives have branded Carney’s sweeping victory as a coronation. Poilievre said at A rally that the Liberals are pulling a “sneaky trick” to try to secure a fourth term by swapping Trudeau with Carney.

“(Carney’s) ability to put together substantive policies, compared with what he describes as Poilievre’s slogans, are going to be things he’s going to want to play up,” says Williams.

The new Liberal leader has promised a “seamless” and “quick” transition as he takes the reins from Trudeau.

In the coming days, Carney will need to be sworn in as prime minister, choose a new cabinet and sort out his plans for the coming federal election.

“There’s good momentum for Mark Carney, but the work now begins to bring Canadians together, provide clear direction and a vision for the future,” Williams says. “The Prime Minister has to govern the entire country.”

An early election call is widely expected within days or weeks of Carney being installed as prime minister.

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has called on Carney to call an election as soon as possible, citing the ongoing Canada-U.S. trade war.

With files from The Canadian Press