Prime Minister Mark Carney, expected to establish the next federal government, addressed an enthusiastic gathering in Ottawa early Tuesday morning.
In his victory address, Carney vowed to “think big” and lead a government that serves the interests of all Canadians. He recognized that while millions did not cast their votes for him, he would strive to represent everyone who considers Canada their home.
As votes are still being counted in some regions of the country, it remains uncertain as of 2:37 a.m. Eastern on April 29 whether the Liberals will secure a majority or minority government.
Here’s a transcript of Carney’s comments.
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Who’s ready to come together for Canada? Who’s ready to help build a stronger Canada? Great, that’s settled.
I’d like to extend my gratitude to the leaders of opposing parties. I want to acknowledge Jagmeet Singh, who has made significant contributions. It’s wonderful to see Elizabeth May and Yves Francois Blanchet back, and I commend Pierre Poilievre for a well-contested campaign and his dedication to our shared country.
Thanks to Diana for her unwavering support throughout this campaign. I truly appreciate all your dedication and kindness. This achievement tonight wouldn’t have been possible without your help, and our four children inspire me every single day.
I also want to honor all the candidates from every party who ran for office. Thank you for stepping up to serve this nation at such a critical time.
To those who have been elected, especially our Liberal members, I am eager to collaborate to deliver for Canadians. Yes, Bruce Fanjoy, I look forward to partnering with you. It’ll be a great journey ahead!
I chose to enter politics because I believed we required substantial changes in our nation—changes that reflect our strong Canadian values.
Values I learned at home from my parents, Bob and Verley, and from my siblings, Brenda, Sean, and Brian, which I now value even more.
Values I’ve learned through sports and that have been reinforced by interacting with Canadians across this amazing country. Tonight, I want to emphasize three core values: humility—because this is Canada, ambition—because this is Canada, and unity—because this is Canada.
These are commendable values. As your prime minister, I commit to honor these Canadian values every day.
Let me start with humility, acknowledging there’s much for me to be humble about. Throughout my career, I’ve made mistakes and will continue to do so. However, I promise to acknowledge my errors, rectify them promptly, and learn from each experience.
Humility is about the significance of working collaboratively within the cabinet and caucus while constructively engaging with all parties in Parliament, and partnering with provinces, territories, and Indigenous communities.
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At this moment, it emphasizes the need for bringing together labor, business, and civil society to foster the national investments required to reshape our economy.
Humility also entails acknowledging that it’s the government’s duty to prepare for challenges, rather than merely wishing for positive outcomes.
I’ve been cautioned that America has its eyes on our land, resources, and everything that defines our nation. These aren’t idle threats. President Trump is intent on weakening us to assert control over Canada. That will never, ever happen.
But we also must recognize that our global landscape has shifted significantly. For me, as I address you tonight, there’s a humbling reality in understanding that many have placed their trust in me and in the Liberal Party. Many citizens hoped for another outcome.
My message to every Canadian is this: regardless of where you live, the language you speak, or how you voted, I will always strive to represent everyone who calls Canada home.
During this brief campaign, I visited Saskatchewan and Alberta multiple times. Even though the political climate is challenging for Liberals, I went because I aim to govern for all Canadians.
My government is here to serve you all.
So, as we gather following this pivotal election, let us move past the divisions and anger of yesteryear. We are all Canadians, and my government will aim to work for and alongside everyone.
While I began with humility, Canadians are driven by ambition. Now is the time for boldness and collective strength to confront this crisis with a united Canada. We are going to build, build, and build!
Throughout history, there have been crucial moments when the fortune of the world was at stake.
Such was the case at the outset of World War II and following the Cold War. Every time, Canada stepped up to establish itself as a free, independent, and ambitious nation, championing democracy and liberty. As Canadians, our approach has always been rooted in compassion and generosity.
We find ourselves at another significant turning point in history.
The traditional relationship we had with the United States, built on ever-growing integration, has come to an end. The framework of open global trade, which Canada has depended on since the Second World War and which, although not flawless, has led to our prosperity for decades, is now history.
But this is our new reality.
While we may have moved past the initial shock of America’s betrayal, it’s crucial that we always remember the lessons learned.
We need to prioritize our own well-being and, most importantly, ensure we care for one another.
When I meet with President Trump, my intention will be to discuss the future economic and security partnership between our two independent nations. We are aware that we have numerous alternatives beyond the United States to foster prosperity for all Canadians.
We will enhance our ties with dependable allies in Europe, Asia, and other regions.
We must forge a new direction because this is Canada, and we are in charge of our destiny.
It’s essential to dream big and act even bigger. We must undertake initiatives previously deemed impossible, and we will achieve these at an unprecedented pace.
We need to double our construction of homes each year, creating a completely new housing sector using Canadian technology, skilled labor, and lumber.
We must establish new trade and energy routes in collaboration with the provinces, territories, and Indigenous communities.
It’s crucial to create hundreds of thousands of quality jobs and careers in skilled trades.
We need to bolster Canada’s status as an energy powerhouse, both in clean and traditional energy.
It’s time to develop an industrial strategy that enhances Canada’s competitiveness while tackling climate change. We will create a trade-friendly economy that operates for and by Canadians. Ultimately, we have much to gain that cannot be taken away by the U.S.
Nonetheless, I want to acknowledge that the upcoming days and months will be tough, requiring some sacrifices. We will shoulder these sacrifices together by supporting our workers and businesses.
Canada represents more than just a country; we are, and will always be, a confederation. This is a collection of noble ideas and ideals rooted in practical foundations. While not always perfect, we continuously aim to improve. We pursue the right actions over the easy ones, seeing kindness as a strength rather than a vulnerability.
Our greatest asset is our determination to collaborate as a nation, which depends on our unity.
Just on the second day of this campaign, I went to Gander. On September 11, they opened their homes to thousands of passengers without hesitation. I met with two of the heroes from that time, Diane Davis and Bula Cooper.
During our discussion, they showed me a heartfelt card from a young girl named Ellie, who wrote, ‘Your kindness inspires me to share kindness.’ This touching message illustrates a fundamental truth about Canadians: that virtue is a muscle that strengthens with use.
We achieve justice through just actions, bravery through brave deeds. As we are kind, kindness multiplies. When we strive for unity, unity fosters more unity. When we embody Canadian values, Canada flourishes.
Our shared history demonstrates that together, we’ve accomplished challenging feats that seemed insurmountable. United, we have built a nation in difficult circumstances, despite sometimes facing an unwelcoming neighbor.
Indeed, the United States has a record of challenges. Together, we have addressed our history with Indigenous communities. Together, we established universal public health care. Now, during this crisis, we are united in supporting Canadian initiatives. We are tapping into all that our country offers.
We stand by our friends and neighbors facing challenges from President Trump due to issues that were not initiated by us. Together, we will build the strongest economy in the G7—an economy that ensures everyone benefits.
We will fight with all our resources to secure the best possible deal for Canada.
We are committed to protecting our workers and businesses, and most importantly, we will forge an independent future for our great nation—a future that strives to make this already remarkable country even better.
Together, we will create a Canada that reflects our values. We will build a strong, free, and everlasting Canada. Vive la Canada. Thank you very much.
