Carney’s latest fireside chat divides Canadians: 'OLD FAILED PLAYBOOK'

· Toronto Sun

See more Toronto Sun on Google — save as a Preferred Source

Prime Minister Mark Carney released a new fireside chat — and it has gotten mixed reviews.

Visit freshyourfeel.org for more information.

His “Forward Guidance” videos are what he has referred to as “a practice” he developed from his days as Governor of the Bank of Canada.

In his third address on Tuesday, titled “Forward Guidance: A Stronger Canada,” Carney outlines why we walked away from U.S. trade negotiations and how we’re responding.

“I started these videos so I could talk to you directly about the challenges we face, the solutions we need, and how we can build Canada strong together,” he began.

“In other words, for moments just like this.”

In the caption on his YouTube page, Carney notes: “Canada Strong isn’t about just withstanding this crisis; it’s about coming out of it stronger, more resilient, and more independent.”

He continued: “It’s about ensuring that no other country can determine our future, and that we can live how we want to live. We have a plan, we’re on track, and we’re just getting started.”

Later in the video, Carney shares: “We worked in good faith to reach a fair deal. But since a fair deal wasn’t on the table, we made the right choice: to walk away from a bad one.”

As for Canada matching U.S. measures dollar-for-dollar with our own tariffs, Carney explained: “I don’t believe in escalating the conflict, that’s not constructive, but our tariffs are necessary to protect our workers, companies and communities.”

He added: “We can’t let American goods into Canada tariff free while they charge our companies to export to them.”

Carney also noted his plan to support Canadians, noting the $7.5-billion intended to help Canadian workers and businesses handle the financial impact of U.S. tariffs.

“There’s always a cost to action. But it doesn’t come close to the cost of standing still,” he continued before declaring, “This is about who we are as Canadians. It’s about our livelihoods and the country we leave to our kids. It’s about making Canada strong, and the compassion that makes us who we are.”

His ultimate message: Stay strong, Canada

Forget “Elbows Up,” which the prime minister has gotten flack for in recent months.

Instead, Carney has a new phrase in “Canada Strong,” allowing for the buzzwords to sink in no less than five times.

Of course, when things are looking dire, there are those who will buy whatever is being sold if the right words are said in just the right way.

Carney’s share of supporters thanked him for showing what “true leadership looks like,” noting there was “no bravado, no whining, just calm confidence, integrity and pure class.”

Many shared they feel “lucky” that he is our leader during this tumultuous time, with one fan calling him “the man for the moment.”

One supporter wrote: Let’s Go Canada! They wouldn’t be coming at us so hard if we didn’t have what they wanted. It’s going to get hard, but we can do this.”

Another pointed out: “I trust you to protect our sovereignty and strengthen our economy through building up Canada’s infrastructure and key industries, and by diversifying export markets.”

Action speaks louder than words

But there are others who prefer substance over style and while Carney talks a big game — quite eloquently, you have to give him that — it’s about putting his plans into action that Canadians want and need.

With the House of Commons not scheduled to resume sitting until Sept. 21, many have taken to social media to urge a recall of Parliament.

Others simply wanted something more than a glossy video.

National Post columnist Terry Newman wrote on X: “These polished videos skirt questions from the press. What Canadians need is for Carney to sit down with a well-prepared reporter.“

Another X user agreed: “Forward guidance doesn’t seem to include any accountability or questions from the press.”

One commenter added: “Governing the country via video is not being accountable. He does this because he refuses to take hard questions.“

One user noted how Carney is “relying on an old playbook to guide Canada through the trade dispute with the U.S.,” something he relied on as the Governor of the Bank of England where the results were “far from the economic certainty he promised it would provide.”

She continued: “Now he’s applying this same economic philosophy to Canada. Canada needs something better than Carney’s old failed playbook,” before predicting that Canada is in for another decade of decline.

Another X account wearily added: “As someone who graduated from university into the Great Recession job market, had to move 500 km from family to afford a home, had my first kid during COVID lockdowns, and watched the government decimate my industry… I’m kinda tired of adversity, and could use some prosperity.”

RECOMMENDED VIDEO

Read full story at source