Carney praises connection in a 'divided world' as Canada Day celebrations underway

Carney praises connection in a 'divided world' as Canada Day celebrations underway

U.S. trade pressures and Alberta separatist sentiments remain on Canadians' minds

Prime Minister Mark Carney is hammering home a message of unity and connection this Canada Day.

Speaking at a Canada Day event in Ottawa, Carney praised "the courage that Canadians ... have shown in the face of a more dangerous and divided world."

"If courage is how we must face the world, connection is how we accomplish what can seem impossible," he said.

The prime minister's address comes as Canada faces pressure from ongoing trade tensions with the United States, as well as concerns about internal unity, as a referendum question on separating from Canada looms over Alberta.

Part of Carney's July 1 itinerary includes a trip to Edmonton for a local celebration. Speaking to CBC's Kate McKenna, he said his government is working "very closely" with the government and people of Alberta to make the country stronger.

"We're making great progress and we're going to continue to do it. We're stronger together," Carney said.

On Oct. 19, Albertans will have the chance to vote in a referendum on whether they believe the province should take steps to seek independence from Canada.

Former prime minister Justin Trudeau was also spotted in the crowd at the Ottawa festivities. Asked by CBC News if he was concerned about separatist sentiments in Alberta, he delivered a similar message of connection in the face of divisive powers.

"I don't worry, as long as Canadians don't forget who we are. And who we are as a people is people who are open to each other and there for our neighbours," he said.

"This Canada Day is about Canadians remembering to really connect with each other. And not just with your circle, but actually lean into conversations with people from the other end of the country, from a different perspective."

While the October referendum looms, the Canada-U.S. relationship faces its latest challenge, as U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer confirmed on Wednesday that the Trump administration has not agreed to renew the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA).

The three parties met virtually on Wednesday to review the deal. While Canada and Mexico had expressed interest in renewing CUSMA for 16 more years, the U.S. said it would not renew the deal "in its current form."

Carney vows to defend Canadian unity ahead of Alberta's fall referendum

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"The United States will continue to engage with Mexico and Canada to address the Agreement’s shortcomings and our trade deficits with these countries," Greer said in a statement.

The agreement will remain in place until those issues are resolved or the deal is terminated, he said.

Despite tense times in the bilateral relationship, U.S. Ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra released a statement wishing Canadians a happy Canada Day. He went on to emphasize the importance of ties between the two countries.

"The United States and Canada share a significant and long-standing relationship, characterized by close economic ties, extensive cross-border connections, and regular engagement on issues of global importance," he said.

"These enduring links continue to shape the work we do. They make both of our nations stronger, helping us to build toward a safer, more secure, and more prosperous North America."

Racy Rafique is an associate producer for CBC's national television program Power & Politics. She also works as a writer covering federal politics for CBC's parliamentary bureau. Racy was a 2023 CBC Joan Donaldson Scholar and is a graduate of Toronto Metropolitan University. You can reach her at reathia.rafique@cbc.ca.