Prime Minister Mark Carney said Canada needs to respond to the changing nature of its relationship with the United States. CTV
Prime Minister Mark Carney has told Canadians that the country must rethink its long-standing relationship with the United States. In a recorded address released Sunday, he said Canada can no longer rely on old assumptions about its closest neighbour.
He explained that the U.S., under President Donald Trump, has taken a different direction in trade and economic policy. According to Carney, this shift has turned what was once a strong partnership into a growing concern.
A Direct Message to Canadians
Carney said he plans to speak more openly with Canadians in the future and share his plans clearly. He promised to be honest about the challenges ahead and avoid softening difficult truths.
He described the current global situation as more uncertain and divided than before. In his view, Canada must adjust its approach and rethink how it works with other countries.
“The U.S. has fundamentally changed its approach to trade, raising its tariffs to levels last seen during the Great Depression,” said Carney. “Many of our former strengths, based on our close ties to America, have become our weaknesses; weaknesses that we must correct.”
Economic Concerns Grow
Carney pointed to several industries that face pressure due to rising U.S. tariffs. Workers in auto, steel, and lumber sectors now deal with uncertainty. Businesses have also slowed down investment decisions as they wait for clearer conditions.
“The U.S. has changed and we must respond,” he said, while outlining his government’s plan to strengthen Canada’s economy.
A Call for a New Direction
Without naming specific opponents, Carney addressed those who believe Canada should wait for things to return to normal. He rejected that idea and said the country must act now instead of hoping for past conditions to return.
He also spoke about younger Canadians, noting that many have grown up during times of global crisis and economic change. For them, uncertainty has always been part of life.
Carney described his plans as bold but necessary. These include building new trade routes, expanding clean energy, and creating a stronger national economy that depends less on the United States.
Drawing Strength from History
To support his message, Carney referred to Canada’s past. He spoke about figures like Isaac Brock, who played a key role during the War of 1812.
He said that unity helped Canada face challenges before and can do so again. He also pointed to major projects built after the Second World War, such as national infrastructure, as examples of what the country can achieve with determination.
Opposition Voices Criticism
Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre criticized the prime minister’s remarks. He argued that the government is focusing on messaging rather than solving problems at home.
“The Carney Liberals have given us the worst food inflation, the worst household debt, the worst housing costs, and the only shrinking economy in the G7,” he wrote.
He also said that Canada needs stronger trade agreements instead of distancing itself from its largest trading partner.
Deputy Conservative leader Melissa Lantsman added that Canadians face rising costs in everyday life. She questioned whether the government’s plans will bring real change.
“Canadians don’t need Forward Guidance, they live in the real world,” she said.
Looking Ahead
Carney ended his message by expressing confidence in Canada’s future. He said the country has faced difficult times before and has always found ways to move forward.
“There’s much forward guidance to be found in our shared history. We will get through this because of who we have always been,” he said. “It’s our country. It’s our future. We are taking back control, to build Canada strong.”
