The Speech

Prime Minister Mark Carney's speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos drew much attention and praise. I've embedded it below. It lasts for about 15 minutes, followed by another 15 minutes or so of questions and answers. Well, that is a lot, so I have noted some excerpts below, in addition to the full text. I think it is good for Americans to have a bit of a glimpse into what leaders in the rest of the world are thinking and saying.

Direct Quotes from the Speech

Let me be direct: we are in the midst of a rupture, not a transition

We should not allow the rise of hard power to blind us to the fact that the power of legitimacy, integrity, and rules will remain strong — if we choose to wield it together.

And it means reducing the leverage that enables coercion. Building a strong domestic economy should always be every government’s priority. Diversification internationally is not just economic prudence; it is the material foundation for honest foreign policy. Countries earn the right to principled stands by reducing their vulnerability to retaliation.

Canada has what the world wants. We are an energy superpower. We hold vast reserves of critical minerals. We have the most educated population in the world. Our pension funds are amongst the world’s largest and most sophisticated investors. We have capital, talent, and a government with the immense fiscal capacity to act decisively.

Canada is a pluralistic society that works. Our public square is loud, diverse, and free. Canadians remain committed to sustainability.

We are a stable, reliable partner—in a world that is anything but—a partner that builds and values relationships for the long term.

The old order is not coming back. We should not mourn it. Nostalgia is not a strategy.

But from the fracture, we can build something better, stronger, and more just.

Link to the text of whole speech. (supposedly, but I am not sure if the link will hold)

If you need more Mark Carney, here he is with his cat.