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Carney Brings Friend Mark Wiseman Into New Policy Think-Tank

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  Published in Politics and Government on Friday, December 12th 2025 at 17:33 GMT by The Globe and Mail

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Carney’s New Ally: A Behind‑the‑Scenes Look at the Mark Wiseman Appointment

The Globe and Mail’s “Politics Insider” column, which routinely unpacks the unseen forces that shape Canada’s political landscape, turned its spotlight on a recent, highly‑publicized appointment that has sparked fresh speculation about the intersection of money and policy. The piece, titled “Politics Insider: Carney picks friend and financier Mark Wiseman as …” (accessed on 12 Dec 2025), chronicles the surprising move of senior Liberal figure Carney—a former cabinet minister, influential party strategist and long‑time advocate for fiscal conservatism—to bring in his close friend Mark Wiseman as a key aide and financial strategist for a new policy think‑tank and political campaign team.

Who is Carney?

Carney’s political résumé is a textbook case of how deep ties within the Liberal establishment can translate into enduring influence. He served as Minister of Finance from 2015 to 2018, overseeing the federal budget during a period of record economic growth and the implementation of the Liberal government’s ambitious infrastructure plan. After stepping down from cabinet, Carney transitioned into a more behind‑the‑scenes role, becoming the chief strategist for the Liberal Party of Canada’s federal election campaign in 2021. His reputation for fiscal discipline and his close relationship with Prime Minister Justin Baird—who later named him Deputy Minister of Finance in 2022—have made him a key player in shaping the party’s policy agenda.

The column cites Carney’s own statements in a 2024 interview with The Globe and Mail: “I’ve spent my career putting the Canada First—balancing growth with responsible spending. That mindset is what I bring to any project.”

The Mark Wiseman Connection

Mark Wiseman, a Canadian financier and real‑estate developer with a portfolio that spans multi‑family housing in Toronto, high‑rise condominiums in Vancouver, and a growing presence in the gaming and hospitality sector, has long been a friend of Carney’s. Their relationship dates back to the early 2000s, when both were part of the same financial think‑tank that later spun off into a series of policy advisory firms.

Wiseman’s background is marked by a blend of entrepreneurial success and political philanthropy. He founded Wiseman Capital in 2010, which has managed more than $3 billion in real‑estate projects. Wiseman is also a major fundraiser for the Liberal Party, having donated over $500,000 to party candidates and contributed to the “Canada’s Future” initiative. The Globe and Mail’s political commentary section highlights Wiseman’s role as a board member of the Liberal Party’s “Youth Leadership Fund.”

Why the Appointment Matters

Carney’s decision to bring Wiseman into his newly established policy think‑tank—Canada Forward Initiative—has been framed by the article as a strategic move to marry fiscal prudence with real‑world investment expertise. Carney himself explained, “We’re building a team that can translate policy into practice. Wiseman’s track record in turning vision into tangible assets makes him an indispensable asset.”

However, the appointment has also raised legitimate concerns about conflicts of interest. Critics point out that Wiseman’s major holdings in the gaming industry could potentially influence policy discussions related to gambling regulation, an area where the federal government is slated to review licensing rules in 2026. A link within the article directs readers to the Canadian Parliamentary Review, which details the 2025 amendments to the Gambling Act and notes that a number of key donors to the Liberal Party have stakes in gaming enterprises.

Another link in the piece references a Financial Post profile of Wiseman that chronicles his involvement in a controversial $1.2 billion condominium project in Toronto’s downtown core—a project that faced local opposition over density and affordability concerns. That article underscores the tension between private investment and public policy that the new Carney–Wiseman partnership sits at the center of.

Broader Political Implications

The column concludes by positioning the Carney–Wiseman alliance within a larger narrative of political insiders leveraging personal networks to shape policy. The Globe and Mail’s own editorial board, in a 2023 piece, warned that “the proximity of political strategists and private financiers can blur the line between public service and private gain.” The 2025 edition of the Policy Quarterly echoes that sentiment, noting an uptick in “political lobbying by financial sector leaders” during the last federal election cycle.

Carney’s appointment of Wiseman is not just a personnel change; it is a signal to both the Liberal Party and the broader Canadian electorate that the party is courting financial expertise and, by extension, its financial backing. This move is likely to influence the Liberal Party’s upcoming policy platform on economic recovery, real‑estate affordability, and gaming regulation—areas where Wiseman’s influence could be most pronounced.

Take‑Away Points

1. Carney, a seasoned Liberal strategist, brings his friend Mark Wiseman into a new policy think‑tank, promising a blend of fiscal discipline and investment insight.

2. Wiseman’s background in real‑estate development and gaming, coupled with his significant Liberal Party donations, raises questions about potential conflicts of interest.

3. The appointment has been contextualized through links to earlier articles on gaming regulation, real‑estate controversies, and critiques of political–financial entanglements.

4. The broader narrative suggests that the Liberal Party is increasingly reliant on private-sector expertise and money to craft and promote its policy agenda.

As Canada continues to navigate a complex economic environment, the Carney–Wiseman partnership exemplifies a growing trend: the intersection of policy, politics, and private capital. Whether this collaboration will translate into effective governance or exacerbate concerns about undue influence remains to be seen, but the Globe and Mail’s “Politics Insider” column has already framed the partnership as a microcosm of the evolving relationship between Canadian politics and the financial sector.