Former Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chrétien made a significant appearance in southwestern Nova Scotia on April 16, 2025, rallying support for Liberal candidate Ronnie LeBlanc at the Clare Curling Club in Meteghan. At 91 years old, Chrétien, who served as Prime Minister from 1993 to 2003, brought humor and a wealth of political experience to the event, emphasizing the importance of unity in the face of perceived threats from U.S. President Donald Trump.
During his speech, Chrétien expressed his support for Mark Carney, the Liberal Party leader and former governor of both the Bank of Canada and the Bank of England, stating that Carney is the right individual to counterbalance Trump's presidency. "I was enraged when Trump treated our Prime Minister like a nobody," Chrétien remarked, reflecting on the diplomatic tensions between Canada and the U.S. under Trump's leadership.
He further highlighted the resilience of Canadians, declaring, "We are united against threats of annexation by President Donald Trump. I have witnessed many challenges in my lifetime, and we have always overcome them. This time will be no different, as Canadians will choose the most reliable political institution in the Western world: the Liberal Party of Canada." His remarks were met with enthusiastic applause from the audience.
LeBlanc, who served as a member of the Nova Scotia Legislative Assembly from 2021 to 2024, is contesting the Acadie-Annapolis seat in the upcoming federal election scheduled for April 28, 2025. He previously lost his seat in the provincial election last fall but remains committed to advocating for the issues facing his constituents, particularly those related to the fishing industry.
As the event unfolded, Chrétien maintained a light-hearted tone, often likening his political commentary to that of a stand-up comedian. He addressed the cultural significance of the Acadian community in Nova Scotia, stating, "Some of your ancestors were moved south to Louisiana, but you’ve stayed in Canada and you’re still very proud of your language and your country." This personal touch resonated with the crowd, reinforcing the connection between the audience and their heritage.
Chrétien's comments also focused on the economic landscape, asserting that Canada has the lowest per capita deficit of all G7 countries. He praised Carney's leadership, noting, "When our leader Mark Carney said we have an opportunity, he is right. We are in better shape than anybody else." This optimistic view of Canada's economic standing was met with approval from the attendees, who seemed reassured by Chrétien's confidence in their country's future.
Addressing the concerns about Trump's rhetoric and the potential for tariffs impacting Canadian businesses, LeBlanc shared that many constituents are anxious about their economic security. "We are hearing threats to our sovereignty. We are facing economic challenges and aggression, especially around tariffs," he explained. LeBlanc emphasized the need for a serious leader, asserting that Carney fits that role.
Former Nova Scotia Liberal Party leader Zach Churchill, who emceed the event, echoed these sentiments, stating, "Canadians have seen the dangers and reality of what a far-right government means. A far-right movement has infected the Republican Party in the States and has taken over the Conservative Party here in Canada. I’m so proud that Canadians are saying this is not the politics we want to have leading our country—a politics of division and fear that tells the world our country is broken."
Chrétien, reflecting on his long political career, remarked, "I became a member of Parliament 62 years ago, and while I am still a Liberal, most importantly, I am still a proud Canadian." He expressed his desire to continue participating in political discourse, humorously stating, "I want to be at election rallies when I’m 100 years old. You’re not about to get rid of me!"
As the evening progressed, the atmosphere remained charged with energy, with LeBlanc humorously acknowledging the crowd's excitement. "Honestly, if I didn’t know who was backstage, I’d be in shock here," he said, thanking supporters and volunteers for their commitment to the campaign.
LeBlanc highlighted the broad scope of the Acadie-Annapolis riding, which encompasses all of Yarmouth, Digby, and Annapolis counties, as well as part of King’s County. He expressed his determination to represent the entire riding fairly, stating, "I realize how big it is, and I am committed to representing this riding equally, fairly across the board, from one end to the other."
In closing, the event underscored the significance of unity and resilience in Canadian politics, especially in light of external pressures and challenges. With the federal election approaching, both Chrétien and LeBlanc's messages resonated strongly with attendees, reinforcing the Liberal Party's commitment to addressing the concerns of Canadians while standing firm against divisive politics.
