“The era of integration between Canada and the United States of America is over,” Carney declared to roaring applause from supporters. “Our old relationship with the United States, which had brought prosperity to Canada, is over.” The speech reflected not just a political victory, but a bold, strategic reset in how Canada views its southern neighbour and former closest ally.
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The election campaign had been heavily influenced by growing tensions with the US, particularly President Donald Trump’s repeated provocations and controversial rhetoric. Trump’s disdain for Canada’s sovereignty was laid bare through his frequent and deliberate mischaracterisation of former PM Justin Trudeau as a “Governor” rather than the head of an independent government. Trump even went so far as to suggest that Canada could be “bought” by the United States—remarks that initially drew laughter in Ottawa, but later provoked anger as they continued.
Canada responded to Trump’s comments by mockingly offering to purchase four US states: California, Oregon, Washington, and Minnesota.
Faced with mounting diplomatic tensions, Trump retaliated by slapping punitive tariffs and trade restrictions on Canadian exports, affecting key sectors of the Canadian economy. These economic moves, seen by many as deliberate attempts to weaken Canada’s independence, created widespread anxiety and resentment. It was against this backdrop that Carney called for early elections—to seek a strong mandate to push back.
Carney’s fiery words came during a victory speech that capped one of Canada’s most dramatic election turnarounds in recent memory. The former banker, who only recently replaced Trudeau as prime minister, steered the Liberals to a surprise win – just months after the party seemed headed for collapse.
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While the Liberals fell short of a majority, they secured enough seats to govern with support from rival parties, likely continuing their cooperation with the New Democratic Party (NDP). But the night wasn’t kind to the NDP, whose leader Jagmeet Singh lost his seat and announced his resignation after the party’s worst-ever showing.
“Throughout our history there have been turning points. Turning points where the world’s fortunes were in the balance. That was the case at the end of the Second World War, just as it was at the end of the Cold War,” Carney said in his speech. “And in each of those times, Canada chose to step up — to assert ourselves as a free, sovereign, and ambitious nation. To lead the path of democracy and freedom. And because we are Canadian, to do so with compassion and generosity.”
The Liberal Party leader made it clear that this new chapter in Canadian policy would be defined by diversification—economically, diplomatically, and strategically. “We are once again on one of those hinge moments of history. Our old relationship with the United States — a relationship based on steadily increasing integration — is over,” Carney said. “The system of open global trade, anchored by the United States, a system that Canada relied on since the Second World War, a system that has helped deliver prosperity for our country for decades, is over.”
“We’re over the shock. But we will never forget the lessons,” he said, adding a call for unity: “Let’s put an end to the division and anger of the past. We are all Canadian, and my government will work for and with everyone.”
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Carney’s remarks, equal parts resolute and reflective, struck a chord with a Canadian public that had grown disillusioned with what many perceived as Washington’s ‘betrayal’. “These are tragedies, but it is also our reality. We are over the shock of the American betrayal. We are over. But we should never, ever forget the lessons,” he said. “We’re going to take this forward and we have to look out for ourselves, but above all, we must take care of each other.”
With a PhD in Economics and a distinguished education from both Harvard and Oxford, Carney’s background is expected to guide Canada through this diplomatic pivot. In his concluding remarks, he made it clear that Canada’s message to Washington will be firm and uncompromising. “When I sit down with President Trump, it will be to discuss the future economic and security relationship between two sovereign nations,” he said. “And it will be with our full knowledge, that we have many, many other options than just the United States to bring prosperity for all Canadians.”
