OTTAWA — As Prime Minister Mark Carney’s speech about the need for middle powers to unite against “hegemons” receives international praise, his main political rival back in Canada calls him “lucky” to be judged by his words. “So far, Mr. Carney has been lucky that he’s been judged by his rhetoric and his stated intention, by the number of his trips and meetings overseas,” Poilievre said in a statement, circulated by his office. Poilievre also underscored that regardless of Canadians’ feelings towards the U.S. administration, Canada’s relationship with its closest neighbour remains. Poilievre, who last week took to X to affirm support for Greenland’s sovereignty, also touched on the issue in Thursday’s statement. The Conservative leader has over the past year faced criticism from within about his ability to pivot to confront the Canada-U.S. issue, which dominated much of last year’s federal election campaign, which the Liberals won.

Source: National Post January 23, 2026 01:16 UTC