During a visit to Gander, Newfoundland, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney reflected on the town’s extraordinary role following the 9/11 attacks.
Speaking on the second day of his snap election campaign, Carney chose Gander—a town that welcomed thousands of stranded US passengers in 2001—as the backdrop for his remarks.
The small town, with just 10,000 residents, took in 6,600 unexpected travellers after the US closed its airspace on 9/11. Locals opened their homes, schools, churches, and fire stations, providing food, blankets, and support.
Carney praised Gander’s generosity as a symbol of unity and cross-border friendship, a story later immortalized in the hit musical Come From Away.
“When Americans needed help, Canadians were there,” Carney stated. “Now, we must show the same unity for ourselves.”
Carney Criticizes Trump for Damaging US-Canada Relations
The Prime Minister expressed concern over deteriorating US-Canada relations, placing the blame squarely on President Donald Trump’s policies and rhetoric.
“In this crisis, caused by the US president and his enablers, we mourn a friendship we once cherished,” Carney said.
Although he described the bond between the two nations as “unbreakable,” he acknowledged that tensions have reached historic levels. Trump’s actions, he noted, have eroded trust and weakened economic cooperation between the two long-standing allies.
In March, Trump imposed a 25% tariff on Canadian steel and aluminum, prompting Ottawa to respond with countermeasures.
Canada retaliated with tariffs on US-made computers, sports equipment, and household appliances, defending key industries from economic harm.
Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc stated, “Canada will not stand by while our industries face unfair targeting.”
Trump’s threat to escalate the trade dispute by extending tariffs to all Canadian imports has further deepened the rift between the nations.
Sovereignty Comments Spark Election Controversy
Beyond trade, Trump has repeatedly stirred controversy by suggesting that Canada should become America’s ‘51st state.’ The remarks have ignited widespread anger across Canada.
Carney condemned these statements, calling them a direct challenge to Canadian sovereignty and national identity.
With the federal election set for April 28, US-Canada relations have become a defining campaign issue.
The race, largely contested between Liberals and Conservatives, is centered on foreign policy and economic stability amid ongoing tensions with Washington.
Carney urged voters to stand firm in defense of Canada’s independence, calling for national resilience in the face of external political pressure.