Prime Minister Mark Carney emphasized the urgent need for Canada to innovate and establish new institutions while reimagining existing ones to address the multifaceted anxieties faced by individuals and governments in the modern era. He made these remarks during his keynote speech at the 2026 Global Progress Action Summit held in Toronto, which saw attendance from notable figures such as ministers Anita Anand, Melanie Joly, François-Philippe Champagne, and current and former U.S. and European politicians, including Pete Buttigieg and Magdalena Andersson.
In his address, Carney pointed to a rising "politics of grievance," driven by the sense of disempowerment people feel regarding the affordability crisis, immigration issues, and the rapid advance of artificial intelligence. He linked these sentiments to a growing divide among global populations, asserting that the solutions to these challenges will require innovative approaches and collaborative efforts across nations. Carney echoed discussions from his recent appearance at the World Economic Forum in Davos, where he stated that the existing international rules-based order is failing and that middle powers must forge new coalitions to navigate contemporary challenges.
Quoting Canadian philosopher Marshall McLuhan, Carney remarked that today's "age of anxiety" stems from attempts to tackle modern problems using outdated tools. He underscored that while Canada does not have all the answers, his government is committed to pursuing progressive solutions. This includes negotiating trade agreements with Europe and other regions in response to U.S. tariffs and establishing the Build Canada Homes agency, which aims to construct thousands of homes on federally owned land.
Carney also addressed Canada’s energy policy, advocating for a balanced approach that incorporates various energy sources, including some natural gas, while striving toward cleaner and more affordable energy systems. He highlighted the recently-announced sovereign wealth fund, which is designed to finance major nation-building projects and offer regular Canadians an opportunity to share in the profits generated from their investments.
During his speech, Carney urged for a revival of boldness in governance, stating, "In a crisis, fortune favors the bold." He expressed concern that the current political landscape has been mostly dominated by those who aim to dismantle existing frameworks and institutions. In response, he called on progressives to be builders rather than timid imitators and cautioned against yearning for a bygone order that is unlikely to return. Carney affirmed that the only appropriate response to present challenges is proactive engagement and the creation of forward-thinking solutions.
The Global Progress Action Summit aims to gather progressive leaders and thinkers, and it was organized by think tanks such as Canada 2020 and the Center for American Progress Action Fund. The summit included a private event featuring former U.S. President Barack Obama, highlighting the caliber of discussions taking place and the importance of collaborative efforts in shaping a progressive agenda for the future.
Overall, Carney’s remarks at the summit reflect a vision for Canada that prioritizes innovation, resilience, and accountability in addressing the pressing issues of today while fostering a spirit of constructive progress.
