Carney promises 'strong Canada' amid escalating U.S. tensions
- There’s someone who’s trying to weaken our economy. Donald Trump, said Mark Carney, the new leader of Canada's Liberal Party, in his first speech. The forthcoming Prime Minister of Canada announced the continuation of retaliatory tariffs against the USA, significant investments, and new economic partnerships.
- I know these are dark days. Dark days brought on by a country we can no longer trust, said Carney, who, after being chosen, will take over from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as the leader of the Liberal Party and soon thereafter, as Prime Minister. - We didn't ask for this fight, but Canadians are always ready when someone else drops the gloves (...). In trade, as in hockey, Canada will win. But this victory will not be easy. We are facing the most significant crisis of our lives, Carney said, commenting on the U.S. moves against Canada and the imposition of tariffs.
- There’s someone who’s trying to weaken our economy. Donald Trump. We can’t let him succeed and we won’t, Carney stated, emphasising that "when we’re united, we are Canada Strong." He described the government's current actions, such as the retaliatory tariffs, as appropriate and stressed that his government will maintain them "until the Americans show us respect." He described the current political situation as "the most significant crisis of our lives."
Trudeau's departure
Trudeau's departure from the position is dictated by what transpired at the end of 2024. At that time, the Liberal Party's ratings and Trudeau's popularity were very low.
On 6 January 2025, Trudeau announced that he would resign as party leader and head of government after his group's new leader was elected. At the same time, Governor General Mary Simon suspended parliamentary sessions until 24 March, upon the Prime Minister's request.
Trudeau discussed with the USA the tariffs announced by Donald Trump, changes in policy, and increasing threats of annexation of Canada.
"New trade routes"
The new Prime Minister of Canada stated that his government would take swift actions, focusing on housing construction, establishing a robust market position in the fuel sector, both traditional and clean energy, and creating "new trade routes" and removing trade barriers within Canada.
"Americans want our goods, water, land, country"
Carney said markets have no value, but people do. He added that the economy must benefit all Canadians and cannot lead to a situation like the USA, where "half of the United States fears the other and distrusts them." He added that all revenues from the retaliatory tariffs would be allocated to protecting Canadian jobs.
- The Americans want our resources, our water, our land, our country, Carney stated. Simultaneously, he criticised the ideas of Canadian conservatives, comparing them to Trump's ideas, and described their leader Pierre Poilievre as a "career politician who never worked for a salary." - This is not leadership; it's ideology, he added.
- In America, healthcare is a big business. In Canada, it’s a right. America is a melting pot. Canada is a mosaic. America does not recognize differences. It does not recognize the First Nations. And there will never be rights to the French language. The joy of living, culture, and the French language are part of our identity. - We must protect this, and we will never trade it for trade deals, he added.
"Canada will never join the USA"
Emphasising that he is "above all a pragmatist," Carney announced that his government would immediately abolish the so-called carbon tax, a pollution levy imposed on provinces without their own solutions. The fee, added to petrol prices and paid out as periodic benefits to Canadians, is presented by conservatives as an additional tax and has harmed the Liberals. Carney also announced the abandonment of the unpopular increase in the tax on large capital gains.
Carney thanked his predecessor, emphasising that Justin Trudeau knew how to "combine strength and compassion as a fighter for Canada."
Election night began with a speech by Trudeau, introduced by his daughter. Sixteen-year-old Ella-Grace expressed her pride in her father. - My brothers and I have shared our dad with you for 12 years. Now we're taking him back, she added. In his farewell speech, Trudeau expressed his pride in his government's achievements and emphasised that Canada is currently at a crossroads determining its future existence. Canada will "fight in its defence when necessary," Trudeau said, highlighting threats to democracy and freedom.
Jean Chretien, who served as Canada's Prime Minister from 1993 to 2003, thanked the departing prime minister. Chretien, who is 91, emphasised that Canada can use tariffs to build infrastructure.
- From one old guy to another old guy: stop this nonsense!, said Chretien, referring to Trump and ironically thanking him for uniting Canadians "like never before."
