Carney emphasizes country’s unity in Canada Day address

Prime Minister Mark Carney used his Canada Day message to celebrate the conviction and unity of Canadians in the face of trade pressures from the U.S.

In his yearly Canada Day message, Prime Minister Mark Carney spoke on unity, kindness and strength, as his government continues to face challenges to Canada’s sovereignty, both from within the country, and outside of it.

In the two-and-a-half-minute address, Carney celebrated the beauty and diversity of the country’s landscape and people. He stressed that in 1867, when four colonies became one country, they bet they “could build something greater than the sum of their parts.”

Carney highlighted the county’s infrastructure that helped link the east to the west, like the national railway, and the Trans Canada Highway.

“Canadians have never just imagined a stronger, more united country,” he said. “We have picked up our tools and built one.”

Carney didn’t shy away from acknowledging the “decisive moment” the country currently faces, as well as the “forces that want to divide us.”

His comments were likely a reference to the ongoing threat of annexation from U.S. President Donald Trump, as well as challenges to the country’s unity, as Albertans prepare to vote on the idea of separating from Canada in a referendum this fall.

Meanwhile, the question of separation is still being brought up in Quebec.

Still, Carney emphasized Canada’s values and strength.

“Small acts of solidarity, repeated millions of times, (prove) that together, we can give ourselves far more than anyone can take away,” he said.

Carney finished his address by encouraging kindness and unity amongst fellow Canadians, before wishing them a happy Canada Day.

“When we show kindness, kindness grows. When we seek unity, unity grows. When we are Canadian, Canada grows. That’s our conviction. And it has never been stronger.”