In his final address as Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau shared introspections on Canada’s future.
During the Liberal Party conference on Sunday, March 9, the former Canadian Prime Minister fought back tears as he delivered an emotional farewell speech.
Trudeau stepped down on January 6 following a series of domestic challenges that had led to a decline in his popularity.
Before officially leaving office, he announced the imposition of 25 percent tariffs on $155 billion worth of American goods in retaliation for similar tariffs imposed by the United States.
Amidst the ongoing trade tensions between the two nations, Trudeau acknowledged the challenges that lie ahead for Canada and expressed pride in the country’s resilience.
He remarked: “Now these past years, these past 10 years, have been challenging, crisis after crisis has been thrown at Canadians. But through every crisis, Canadians have shown who they are. We’ve pulled together.
“We’ve stood up for each other. And every single time, we’ve emerged even stronger. And now, as Canadians face — from our neighbor — an existential challenge, an economic crisis, Canadians are showing exactly what we are made of!”
He elaborated: “Canadians are showing what it is that makes us Canadians, not by defining ourselves by who we’re not, but by proudly embracing who we are… And we’re a country that will be diplomatic when we can, but fight when we must, elbows up.”
Mark Carney, Trudeau’s successor and former head of UK and central banks, also addressed the conference on Sunday, directly criticizing Donald Trump.
Carney made it clear in his speech that Canada has no intention of becoming the 51st state of the United States, despite recent assertions by Republican figures.
He stated: “America is not Canada. And Canada never, ever, will be part of America in any way, shape or form.
“We didn’t ask for this fight, but Canadians are always ready when someone else drops the gloves. The Americans want our resources, our water, our land, our country.
“Think about it. If they succeed, they will destroy our way of life.
“I know these are dark days. Dark days brought on by a country we can no longer trust.
“We’re getting over the shock, but let us never forget the lessons: we have to look after ourselves and we have to look out for each other. We need to pull together in the tough days ahead.”