Carney urges unity, presses government to act on economy in La Citadelle speech
At La Citadelle, Prime Minister Mark Carney called for national unity and faster action on economic and cost-of-living pressures, and responded to comments from the U.S. president.
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By Torontoer Staff
Prime Minister Mark Carney delivered a state of the nation speech at La Citadelle in Quebec City today, calling for national unity as the government prepares to return Parliament on Monday. He framed the agenda around economic pressure points and Canada’s place in a fracturing global order.
Carney used the historic military fortress as the backdrop for remarks about national identity and practical priorities, urging his cabinet and the country to move quickly on measures to ease cost-of-living strains and to pursue nation-building projects that tie the country together.
Unity and priorities
Speaking before a group of journalists and his federal cabinet, Carney offered a brief history of Canada’s progress and sought to set a tone of collective purpose. He framed unity as both a moral stance and an economic necessity, saying inclusive policies will help the country grow while protecting it from external pressures.
When we are united, unity grows. When we are Canadian, inclusive, fair, ambitious, Canada grows.
Prime Minister Mark Carney
Carney acknowledged the immediate need to address cost-of-living issues intensified by recent global trade frictions, and he signalled a push to translate policy plans into quick, tangible actions.
A response to U.S. comments
The speech also contained a direct reply to remarks from U.S. President Donald Trump, who this week said, "Canada lives because of the United States." Carney countered that Canada's standing rests on its own attributes and resilience.
Canada doesn't live because of the United States. Canada thrives because we are Canadian.
Prime Minister Mark Carney
Carney had earlier criticised moves by major powers to use economic integration and tariffs as leverage, remarks that prompted the U.S. response. In Quebec City he reiterated that Canada will chart a course based on national interests and cooperation with partners.
Domestic politics and criticism
The Conservative opposition has faulted the prime minister for travelling abroad to pursue trade deals and investment without delivering noticeable results at home. Party critics say promises must now be matched by execution.
Now we need to execute. Fairly and fast. We are building one Canadian economy and launching nation-building projects that will connect and transform our country.
Prime Minister Mark Carney
Carney did not address proposed sovereignty referendums in Alberta and Quebec during the speech. He focused instead on economic integration and infrastructure projects he describes as central to national cohesion.
Proposed online harms measures for children
Separately, federal officials have drawn up plans to raise the minimum age for social-media use to 14 as part of a forthcoming online harms bill, three sources told The Globe and Mail. The proposal would replace the current federal limit of 13 and requires cabinet approval.
The measure follows Australia’s move to ban platforms for those under 16, and officials are discussing whether a new regulator would be needed to enforce a higher age cutoff. Ministers could consider the proposal as early as next month, according to sources.
What else happened today
- Ottawa signals openness to Chinese investment in food processing and manufacturing under new trade arrangements, Agriculture Minister Heath MacDonald said.
- Chinese automaker Chery is seeking to enter the Canadian EV market, aiming to sell mainstream passenger vehicles here.
- Marineland has applied for permits to ship remaining whales and dolphins to the U.S., while warning it may kill some animals if export permits are not issued.
- A Senate study found wide disparities in housing approvals and development fees across Canadian cities and recommended tying federal funding to municipal steps to speed projects and cut builder fees.
- A Toronto hospital staged a mass-casualty war game involving health-care workers, Armed Forces personnel and officials to test how the system would respond to an influx of patients from conflict abroad.
On the radar
- House of Commons returns Jan. 26, with the Senate back Feb. 3.
- Carney is in Quebec City for a two-day cabinet retreat where further policy moves are expected to be refined.
- Party leaders held events across the country: Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre hosted a fundraiser in Toronto; Green Leader Elizabeth May met constituents in Saanich-Gulf Islands; Interim NDP Leader Don Davies met his caucus in Rankin Inlet.
- Governor-General Mary Simon accepted credentials from six new diplomats at Rideau Hall.
Context and outlook
Carney’s speech sets the administration’s immediate priorities: accelerate economic measures, tackle cost-of-living pressures and frame national projects as cohesion-building. The coming weeks will show whether the government can move from rhetoric to implementation while managing external trade tensions and domestic political scrutiny.
The meetings at La Citadelle, a site associated with wartime strategy discussions in 1943 and 1944, underlined the government’s emphasis on coordination and long-term planning as it returns to Parliament.
Mark CarneyLa Citadellenational unityonline harmseconomyCanada US relationshousingMarineland
