Delegates attend the Liberal Party of Canada convention in Montreal, Friday, April 10, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Graham Hughes

By The Canadian Press

Carney issues call for unity, says no time for ‘politics as usual’

Apr 11, 2026 | 4:00 AM

MONTREAL — Prime Minister Mark Carney issued a call on Saturday for political unity and for Canadians to dispatch with “politics as usual” as the country confronts a crumbling international order it once benefited gainfully from.

Carney made the remarks to Liberal party rank-and-file in a speech on the closing day of the party’s national convention in Montreal — a message that comes as his party is on the cusp of forming a majority government.

“This is not the time for politics as usual, for petty differences or political point scoring. United, we will build … a Canada strong that no one can ever take away,” Carney told Liberals gathering on the final day of their convention downtown Montreal.

“We are meeting in the middle of a transformation that will define this country for generations, and Canadians sense it.”

The speech marked Carney’s first such address to the party since winning party leadership last year.

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Just about year ago, Carney was swept into office after campaigning on how he would combat the threats posed by U.S. President Donald Trump and his global trade war.

Since Carney became prime minister, Trump has continued his trade pressure against Canada, launched a war against Iran, and also threatened to annex Greenland and withdraw from the NATO alliance.

Carney also nodded in his speech to major accomplishments of past Liberal prime ministers, including Justin Trudeau, who Carney says walked the path of reconciliation with Indigenous people.

The convention is coming to a close just ahead of a set of byelections on Monday, expected to give the Liberals a majority government.

Liberals also welcomed five new MPs under their tent during the convention, including Marilyn Gladu, a Sarnia, Ont., MP who defected from the Conservatives just a few days ago.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 11, 2026.

Kyle Duggan, The Canadian Press

by The Canadian Press

Carney issues call for unity, says no time for ‘politics as usual’

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