Mark Carney’s Apology to Donald Trump: A Misstep
An Ontario advertisement highlighting Ronald Reagan’s support for free trade was arguably an unnecessary risk. However, Mark Carney’s public apology to Donald Trump over the ad proved to be a far greater misstep.
Context of the Apology
Recently, it became known that Prime Minister Mark Carney apologized for an Ontario ad that used Ronald Reagan’s own words to accurately express the former U.S. president’s views on free trade. The apology implied:
“Sorry Ontario accurately described Ronald Reagan’s stand on free trade, Mr. We understand those words hurt your feelings and challenged your version of the truth, which of course is unacceptable. We promise we won’t let the facts get in the way of our relationship again.”
Canada’s Approach to Relations with Trump
During last spring’s election, slogans such as “Elbows up” and “Canada Strong” were aimed at showing resilience against Trump’s policies. Yet, the actual approach of both the federal government and the Official Opposition has been excessively conciliatory, bordering on obsequiousness. Rather than adopting a forceful stance, Canada often appears to have no assertiveness at all.
Why Carney Apologized
Mark Carney apologized for something outside his fault—an ad that was defensible in normal Canada-U.S. diplomatic relations. Critics of Ontario Premier Doug Ford, who often defend Carney, argue the ad was ill-advised. Yet, the main issue remains Carney’s decision to apologize unnecessarily to Trump.
Summary
This episode reflects how Canada’s repeated conciliatory gestures to Trump risk undermining its own credibility and diminishing its assertiveness in protecting national interests.