Mark Carney’s Bitcoin Criticisms Resurface as Canada’s New PM

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March 11, 2025

Mark Carney’s Bitcoin Criticisms Resurface as Canada’s New PM

Canada has been a significant player in the cryptocurrency space, with a growing number of crypto exchanges like Coinbase Canada and Bitbuy, and a regulatory framework evolving under the Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act, per CoinMarketCap. The country is also exploring a central bank digital currency (CBDC), with the Bank of Canada’s Project Jasper in 2017, per Bank of Canada. Carney’s election as PM, assumed in early 2025, brings his financial expertise and past views into sharp focus, especially given Bitcoin’s volatility and regulatory debates.

Carney’s criticisms, made during his central banking tenure, reflect a traditional financial perspective, wary of Bitcoin’s speculative nature, environmental impact, and lack of central control. His 2018 Davos comment, comparing Bitcoin to tulips, was part of a broader warning about crypto assets, per Financial Times, while his 2017 statement emphasized their lack of intrinsic value, aligning with central bankers’ concerns, per Bloomberg.

Implications for Canada’s Crypto Policy

Carney’s past views could influence several areas:

  1. Regulatory Framework: His skepticism might lead to stricter regulations, such as enhanced KYC/AML requirements for crypto exchanges, potentially slowing innovation, per CoinTelegraph.
  2. Taxation Policies: Canada already taxes crypto gains as capital gains, per Canada Revenue Agency. Carney’s views might push for higher rates or reporting, impacting investor behavior, per Forbes.
  3. CBDC Development: Given his central banking background, Carney might accelerate Canada’s CBDC, potentially competing with Bitcoin, per Bank of Canada. His views could shape whether it’s complementary or restrictive to crypto.

These implications are plausible, given Carney’s financial conservatism, but he might have evolved, given the crypto market’s growth since 2018, per CoinMarketCap.

The crypto community on X is divided, with CryptoNews noting, “Carney’s Bitcoin skepticism as PM could mean tighter crypto rules in Canada. ,” while OptimistTrader says, “His financial expertise could balance regulation, good for long-term growth.” Analysts, per Blockworks, suggest his views might temper enthusiasm but provide stability, with potential impacts on Bitcoin’s price in Canada, currently around $87,000, per Yahoo Finance.

An interesting aspect is the timing, with these criticisms resurfacing just as Carney takes office, possibly by opposition parties to challenge his crypto credentials ahead of upcoming policy decisions, adding a political layer to the economic debate, not always highlighted in crypto news.

In conclusion, Mark Carney’s election as Canada’s Prime Minister in early 2025 has brought his past Bitcoin criticisms into the spotlight, with statements like comparing it to a tulip bubble raising concerns over Canada’s crypto future. As the country navigates regulation and innovation, his financial expertise could shape a balanced approach, with neredex.com providing updates on this evolving story.

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