Mark Carney, Canada’s prime minister, stated that the nation needs to be a “beacon to a world that’s at sea” and emphasized the importance of national unity as his government navigates significant shifts in global politics and rising domestic issues.
His address, delivered at a historic military site in Quebec City, focused more narrowly than his earlier comments at the World Economic Summit in Davos, Switzerland. Called the ‘Carney Doctrine,’ the speech from Davos expressed concern over the breakdown of rules-based order as “great powers” increasingly use economic “coercion” as a tool.
However, his Thursday talk at the renowned citadel-designed to protect against a possible American attack-still articulated a defense of Canadian values and outlined his vision for Canada’s place in an evolving global landscape.
“Canada cannot solve all the world’s problems, but we can show that another way is possible: that the arc of history isn’t destined to be warped towards authoritarianism and exclusion; it can still bend towards progress and justice,” he mentioned.
Much of Carney’s speech was penned by himself and included criticism aimed at US President Donald Trump. Earlier this week, Trump claimed that Canada was not sufficiently “grateful” for its economic situation, which he attributed to American generosity.
“Canada lives because of the United States,” Trump told attendees in Davos. “Remember that, Mark, next time you make your statements.”
Carney also took time to pose with Bonhomme Carnaval, mascot of the Quebec Winter Carnival. Photograph: Mathieu Belanger/Reuters
Carney noted how both nations have formed an impressive partnership through their interconnected economies, security agreements, and shared principles. However, he countered by saying: “Canada doesn’t live because of the United States. Canada thrives because we are Canadian. We are masters of our home. This is our country.”
Despite receiving international praise for his straightforward views on the current geopolitical disruption, Carney has faced criticism from opposition Conservatives who argue that his recent trade missions to China and Qatar have yielded little tangible investment while diverting attention from domestic issues.
Carney committed to acting “fairly and fast” to expedite significant infrastructure initiatives and address ongoing cost-of-living challenges affecting Canadians. Yet he must also contend with two upcoming sovereignty referendums in Alberta and Quebec.
“When we are united, unity grows. When we are Canadian – inclusive, fair, ambitious – Canada grows,” he asserted.
The prime minister acknowledged that Canada’s history reflects a journey defined by moving “slowly, imperfectly, not without struggle” toward cooperation among its diverse groups. He recognized that Canada hasn’t always met its ideals-highlighting ongoing issues such as the continued “dispossession” of Indigenous peoples and breaches of treaties-a reality still present today.
After delivering his speech, Carney shared a moment with Bonhomme-a giant snowman symbolizing winter festivities-and embraced him warmly.
Carney is visiting Quebec for cabinet meetings and briefings before parliament reconvenes on Monday. His governing Liberals currently hold one seat less than a majority.
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