Carney vows to ‘never sugarcoat our challenges’; calls ties with U.S. a ‘weakness’ in speech to Canadians

'Many of our former strengths, based on ties to America, have become our weaknesses'

Published Apr 19, 2026  •  3 minute read

Prime Minister Mark Carney, with Minister of Finance Francois-Philippe Champagne, takes part in a press conference on Parliament Hill in Ottawa April 14, 2026. Photo by Blair Gable /Postmedia

Prime Minister Mark Carney says he’ll be keeping Canadians regularly updated on his government’s economic plan, while calling Canada’s close ties with the U.S. a “weakness” in a speech posted on YouTube on Sunday.  

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“I promise you, I will never sugarcoat our challenges,” he said in a 10-minute address to Canadians.  

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“Instead, I will talk with you directly and regularly about our plan, why we’re doing what we’re doing, what’s working, what isn’t, and what we’re going to do next,” he said. 

Carney also said in the face of a “more dangerous and divided” world, Canada must shift its international relationships in response to changing circumstances.

Ties with America is now a ‘weakness’

Regarding the trade relations with the U.S., Carney said Canada must “strike new partnerships abroad” in the face U.S. tariff threats. 

“The U.S. is fundamentally changed its approach to trade, raising its tariffs to levels last seen during the Great Depression,” Carney said. “Many of our former strengths, based on ties to America, have become our weaknesses — weaknesses that we must correct.”  

He said workers in the auto, steel and lumber industries are most affected by U.S. tariffs and are under threat, and businesses are “holding back investments, restrained by the pall of uncertainty that’s hanging over all of us.

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“The U.S. has changed, and we must respond,” Carney said.

‘Nostalgia is not a strategy’

He reiterated his “Canada Strong” plan describing it as “taking back control of our security, our borders and our future.” 

Carney also said, hoping for “good old days” of Canada’s partnership with America “isn’t a plan, and nostalgia is not a strategy.” 

In fact, he said young Canadians have nothing positive to look back on based on recent international events.  

“Their lifetimes have been marked by a series of shocks and crises from abroad,” he said, listing out the Iraq War, the global financial crisis and COVID-19 as examples.  

He then highlighted how his government’s “Canada Strong” plan is one that focuses on job creation, and the development of a network of “reliable allies.” 

“Its goals are ambitious — to catalyze a trillion dollars in investment, to create one Canadian economy out of 13, to build new trade and energy corridors, and to double the size of our clean energy capacity.”

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A history of fighting back against America

To face of these challenges, Carney said Canadians can take inspiration from “our ancestors who built an improbable country in an inhospitable land,” citing historical figures who pushed back on American military incursions during the War of 1812.

He showed a tiny statue of British Army Maj.-Gen. Sir Isaac Brock — given to him by comedian Mike Myers — who he said, “built alliances across our land and inspired what would eventually become Canada.” 

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Liberal strategy ‘gaining momentum’

He also highlighted what he described as Liberal investments on issues such as housing affordability, energy and infrastructure, trade and defence. 

“Our plan for Canada is gaining momentum, and it will work,” he said. 

“But we are not going to fix all problems tomorrow, and there will be setbacks along the way.” 

He ended his speech with an optimistic message to Canadians. 

“We will get through this because of who we have always been: A country of tough, decent, caring people. People who grow stronger in adversity. It’s our country. It’s our future. We’re taking back control to build Canada Strong. It’s already working. Let’s keep going,” Carney said.

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