Canada is likely on the verge of a federal election now, following the selection of Mark Carney as the new leader of the Liberal party. This transition occurs at a pivotal moment, as the global crisis mirrors the tensions of the Cold War, where the dichotomy now exists between liberal democracy and repressive authoritarianism. The latter entities, labeled as the new "axis of evil," are consistently undermining the established rules-based international framework.
Complicatively, the United States—historically the world's foremost liberal democracy—has veered dangerously under the administration of President Donald Trump toward authoritarianism. This concerning trend has led to fractures within the transatlantic alliance, heightening the stakes for Canadian foreign policy.
Prime Minister Carney’s forthcoming trip from March 16 to 18, 2025, to Paris, London, and Iqaluit signifies Canada’s strategic intentions to reinforce partnerships and affirm its stance on Arctic sovereignty. During this trip, Carney is expected to meet with French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to reinforce commercial ties, security arrangements, and advancements in technology sectors such as artificial intelligence (AI).
The importance of global collaboration and economic partnerships cannot be overstated, particularly as Canada has seen only three percent of its citizens report improvements in its international reputation over the last year—a historical low.
President Macron and Prime Minister Starmer have pivotal roles on the international stage: they lead nations recognized as integral members of NATO, the G7, and the G20, as well as permanent members of the UN Security Council. Carney’s discussions will center around enhancing economic and defense cooperation between Canada, France, and the UK, particularly through frameworks like the Canada-European Union Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA).
Having experienced substantial growth following CETA's provisional application, Canada has witnessed over 60 percent increase in trade with the EU, underlining the necessity for maintaining strong ties within Europe. Recent discussions have also emphasized the potential for economic growth spurred by AI, which Carney aims to prioritize during his international engagements.
Following his meetings abroad, Carney plans to reassert Canada’s sovereignty over the Arctic by visiting Iqaluit, where he will engage with members of the Canadian Rangers, who are pivotal to Arctic security and stability. Here, he will also have discussions with Nunavut’s Premier, P.J. Akeeagok, to address the needs of the Northern communities and pursue reconciliation with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis.
Concurrently, the need for Canada to reclaim its status as an ally and protect the rights of oppressed populations worldwide is more acute than ever. Internationally, as the threat of authoritarian regimes rises, Canada must take decisive measures to support frontline democracies like Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan. These ideals are starkly contrasted with the past week's troubling U.S. policy decisions, such as President Trump’s decision to freeze military aid to Ukraine following the meeting with President Zelenskyy—a moment deemed emblematic of the troubling U.S. shift under the current administration.
Canada’s obligations extend beyond mere diplomatic gestures; addressing human rights abuses globally must remain central to its policy vision. This means advocating against instances such as Putin's aggression toward Ukraine, the human rights violations against the Uyghur population under Xi Jinping’s regime, and the violent repression experienced within Iran.
To fulfill this mandate, Canada must not only reinforce its national military spending to meet NATO targets but also combat misinformation and foreign interference domestically to safeguard the integrity of its democratic processes. Legislative measures should focus on protecting Canadians from the growing specter of transnational repression and ensuring access to truthful information is prioritized.
Looking back through history, Prime Minister Carney’s current positions bring to mind Winston Churchill's remarks on the Canada-U.S. border, once hailed for its “neighborly respect.” This respect seems increasingly threatened, compositing the urgency of political and economic strategies for Canada moving forward.
Canadians are called upon to re-evaluate and establish clear priorities not just for their domestic affairs, but also to articulate the role they wish to play on the world stage. It is imperative Canada moves decisively, returning to its foundational roots of democracy and human rights advocacy, and ensuring these values are upheld against rising global threats of authoritarianism and oppression.
Through Carney's approach to fostering relationships and protecting autonomy, Canada has the opportunity to emerge from its recent reputational decline and reaffirm itself as a leader committed to peace, stability, and the promotion of universal rights. The path forward lies not only with federal policies but also with fostering civic engagement and increasing awareness among Canadian citizens about their nation's role amid global upheaval. With the federal elections looming, it remains to be seen how these developments will manifest politically and how they will influence the outlook for future Canadian governance.