Carney says Canada’s values ‘must be fought for’ amid ‘democratic decline’

 

In a speech he gave to Canadians on Thursday in Quebec City, Prime Minister Mark Carney criticized remarks made by the United States. Earlier this week, President Donald Trump made the comment at the World Economic Forum that "Canada lives because of the United States." "Canada doesn't live because of the United States," Carney stated. We are Canadians, which is why Canada thrives.

In a statement released on Thursday, Prime Minister Mark Carney stated that Canada is at a historical juncture in which “our values must be fought for” as an inclusive nation while serving as an example to the rest of the world during a period of “democratic decline.” Additionally, Carney denied American assertions. This week, President Trump said that Canada "lives because of the United States." According to Carney, "a remarkable partnership in the economy, in security, and in rich cultural exchange" has been established between the United States and Canada. The United States of America is the reason Canada does not exist. We are Canadians, and Canada thrives because of it. Carney discussed Canada's imperfect history of cultures learning to live together and creating a collective national identity in a speech he gave at the Liberal cabinet retreat in Quebec City ahead of Parliament's scheduled return on Monday.

According to Carney's statement, "Canadians believe in the value of every other Canadian, their boundless potential to make this great country even better." Despite their differences, our ancestors believed in one another and in us. These ideals have endured for significant stretches of time without being challenged. They do not include ours. Our ideals must be upheld. We are doing that, and Canadians are willing to accept it. Following his major speech on foreign policy at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, earlier this week, in which he declared a “rupture” to the old rules-based international order and emphasized that middle powers like Canada must band together to resist coercion from great powers, Carney addressed the people of Canada.

Commentators and world leaders have praised the speech, which was seen as a criticism of U.S. economic and foreign policy under President Obama. President Donald Trump, who has waged trade wars and put Canada and Greenland's sovereignty in jeopardy.

Carney addressed the themes of his Davos speech on Thursday, telling Canadians that their nation "must be a beacon" and "an example to a world at sea."

He stated, "Canada can show how diversity can be a strength, not a weakness, in a time of rising populism and ethnic nationalism." “We can demonstrate how rights can be safeguarded and equal freedoms endure in a time of democratic decline. We can demonstrate how a nation can be both open and secure, welcoming and strong, principled and powerful in a time of rising walls and thickening borders. Trump told the World Economic Forum audience a day after Carney's speech that Canada should be "grateful" to the United States for its economic and security partnerships.

Trump stated, "Canada exists because of the United States." "Mark, keep that in mind the next time you make statements," Carney on Thursday appeared unfazed by Trump’s remarks.

 He stated, "Canada can't solve all the problems in the world, but we can show that another way is possible and that the arc of history isn't destined to be warped toward authoritarianism and exclusion." "It can still sway in the direction of progress and justice." He went on to talk about the successes of his first year in office, such as legislation to expedite "nation-building" projects and major increases in defense spending to boost and diversify Canada's economy. He stated, "Now we need to execute, fairly, and quickly."

The speech emphasized Carney's remarks to Global News last month, in which he stated that Canada must continue on the path he set when he became prime minister in March.

He stated on Thursday that his government is still focused on lowering costs for Canadians, citing tax cuts, efforts to construct more affordable housing, and combating crime through reforms to the criminal justice system as examples of these efforts. Parliament has yet to pass several pieces of legislation that address these reforms, as well as changes to border security and other priorities. This sets up a busy session for the new year. Carney went on to say that people from all walks of life in Canada must continue to choose to work together and work toward ongoing reconciliation and collaboration with Indigenous peoples. He added that this all-encompassing strategy must include everything, from infrastructure to artificial intelligence.

He stated, "When we live our values, we build as a people and grow as individuals." We choose a bright future that is worthy of our position. We select Canada."