"The power of the less powerful begins with honesty."
January 20, 2026 9:00 AM Subscribe
Canadian PM Mark Carney speaks at Davos
Full text reproduction of the speech can be found here
CBC is calling the speech "provocative".
Significant quotes:
"We knew the story of the international rules-based order was partially false. That the strongest would exempt themselves when convenient. That trade rules were enforced asymmetrically. And that international law applied with varying rigour depending on the identity of the ac…
"The power of the less powerful begins with honesty."
January 20, 2026 9:00 AM Subscribe
Canadian PM Mark Carney speaks at Davos
Full text reproduction of the speech can be found here
CBC is calling the speech "provocative".
Significant quotes:
"We knew the story of the international rules-based order was partially false. That the strongest would exempt themselves when convenient. That trade rules were enforced asymmetrically. And that international law applied with varying rigour depending on the identity of the accused or the victim."
"On Arctic sovereignty, we stand firmly with Greenland and Denmark and fully support their unique right to determine Greenland’s future."
"When we only negotiate bilaterally with a hegemon, we negotiate from weakness. We accept what is offered. We compete with each other to be the most accommodating. This is not sovereignty. It is the performance of sovereignty while accepting subordination."
"Canada has something else: a recognition of what is happening and a determination to act accordingly. We understand that this rupture calls for more than adaptation. It calls for honesty about the world as it is."