Prime Minister Mark Carney told a New York business audience Thursday that a strong Canada will help make the United States great again [1].
The speech signals a strategic shift in how Canada manages its relationship with its largest trading partner amid ongoing economic volatility. By adopting the slogan of former U.S. President Donald Trump, Carney aimed to frame Canadian growth as a mutual benefit rather than a competition.
Speaking at the Economic Club of New York, Carney urged the development of a new partnership between the two nations [4]. He said Canada's current growth plans are a way to foster greater economic cooperation and provide a coordinated response to recent trade tensions [1, 2].
"Canada strong will help make America great again," Carney said [3]. He said the dynamic United States should include a new partnership with Canada [4].
The outreach follows a period of instability regarding cross-border trade. Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly noted the transition from a defensive posture to a proactive strategy. She said that in 2025, Canada was much more in reaction mode regarding the trade war and tariffs [5].
Joly said that in 2026, Canada has a plan and is putting it into place [5]. This new approach focuses on promoting Canada's growth agenda to ensure the country remains an essential partner in the North American supply chain.
Carney's appearance in New York was designed to appeal directly to the business community, positioning Canada as a stable and productive ally capable of supporting U.S. economic goals [2, 3].
“"Canada strong will help make America great again."”
The use of a highly recognizable American political slogan by a Canadian Prime Minister suggests a pragmatic approach to diplomacy. By aligning Canada's economic goals with the 'Make America Great Again' rhetoric, the Carney administration is attempting to insulate Canada from protectionist trade policies by presenting Canadian prosperity as a prerequisite for American success.
