Liberal leader Mark Carney warned of U.S. threats causing economic crises in Canada and to the international trade system.
With both the American and Canadian Falls in the background, Liberal Leader Mark Carney spoke to reporters Friday morning about the shared history and friendship between the two nations, and that, when there is strife, Canadians have chosen to “disagree agreeably.”
His address from the seventh floor of the Sheraton Fallsview in Niagara Falls took place just a day after the national English language debate. It was also the same day early voting polls opened up across Canada, as he took a swing through Niagara, stopping in Port Colborne in the afternoon.
Introduced by Andrea Kaiser, the Liberal candidate for Niagara-Falls/Niagara-on-the-Lake, Carney said both Canada and the United Stated have in the past drawn on shared values of “commitment to democracy, commitment to rule of law, pursuit of shared prosperity, peace, and a willingness to stand by each other’s side.”
But now, Carney argued, the economic chaos caused by President Donald Trump’s policies is undermining the international trade system and threatening Canadian sovereignty.
“He is rupturing the global economy, and he’s putting in jeopardy the lives of hundreds of thousands, the livelihoods of millions of Canadians, including in communities such as Niagara Falls.”
Carney said he has managed many crises in his career, citing as an example “guiding the UK through the Brexit turmoil,” and that he is prepared for “America’s threats to our very sovereignty.”
“Above all,” said Carney, “we will build a new Canadian economy” with the most ambitious housing plan since the Second World War, and major investments in energy, skilled trades, and clean growth.
He said his government would create more, “good paying careers,” and safe communities to make Canada the strongest economy in the G7. “We will build Canada strong, Canada free, but a Canada that’s forever independent of the United States” which helps lead the world.
“We can give ourselves so much more than the Americans can ever take away. So it’s time to chart our own path, to realize our own potential, to build Canada strong.”
After the speeches, Kaiser emphasized her experience in business. “I’ve always been very passionate about the local economy and buying local products, so that’s more important than ever.”
Kaiser has a wide range of experiences in the export trade market, and has recently conducted business with her company, Drea’s Wine Co., in Japan and Singapore, with a future trip planned for Norway and the UK.
“At this moment, it’s really more important than ever to have diversified markets beyond the United States.”
She went on to say that “the local focus is very important for me,” and cited her experience as regional councillor.
“I have a very good understanding of the tourism industry, and I would work closely with municipalities in the region to develop and foster a positive economic development environment,” added Kaiser.