Key Takeaways
- Prime Minister Mark Carney argued that Canada must create new institutions and reinvent existing ones to counter modern anxieties.
- He linked feelings of lost control over affordability, immigration, and AI to a rising “politics of grievance” that fuels global division.
- Carney advocated bold, positive action—building new solutions rather than imitating divisive tactics or longing for a bygone order.
- His speech highlighted recent government initiatives: pursuing new trade deals amid U.S. tariffs, launching the Build Canada Homes agency, adopting an inclusive energy strategy that includes gas while pursuing cleaner alternatives, and establishing a sovereign wealth fund to finance nation‑building projects and share profits with ordinary Canadians.
- The remarks were delivered at the 2026 Global Progress Action Summit in Toronto, a gathering of progressive leaders organized by Canada 2020 and the Center for American Progress Action Fund, which also hosted a private event with former U.S. President Barack Obama.
Prime Minister Mark Carney’s Closing Address at the Global Progress Action Summit
Prime Minister Mark Carney delivered the closing speech at the 2026 Global Progress Action Summit held in Toronto. The summit brought together ministers, current and former U.S. and European politicians, and progressive thinkers to discuss pressing global challenges. Carney’s remarks were positioned as a call to action for Canada and like‑minded nations to confront the widespread sense of unease that characterizes the contemporary era.
Diagnosing the “Age of Anxiety”
Carney began by identifying what he described as an “age of anxiety” affecting citizens and governments worldwide. He attributed this anxiety to a perceived loss of control over three interconnected issues: the affordability crisis, immigration pressures, and the rapid advance of artificial intelligence. According to Carney, these pressures have given rise to a “politics of grievance” that pits groups against each other and undermines social cohesion.
Historical Reference: Marshall McLuhan’s Insight
To illustrate his point, Carney quoted the Canadian philosopher Marshall McLuhan, noting that society is “trying to do today’s job with yesterday’s tools.” This metaphor underscored his belief that existing institutions and policy frameworks are insufficient for addressing the speed and complexity of modern change. The reference served to anchor his argument in a respected intellectual tradition while emphasizing the need for innovative thinking.
The Need for New Institutions and Reimagined Old Ones
Carney asserted that the solution lies in building new institutions and reimagining those that already exist. He argued that merely tweaking current structures will not resolve the deep‑seated anxieties driving populist and divisive politics. Instead, Canada must lead in creating fresh mechanisms—whether legislative, economic, or social—that are designed for the realities of the 21st century.
Connecting to Earlier Themes: Davos and the Rules‑Based Order
The Prime Minister linked his Toronto remarks to ideas he previously presented at the World Economic Forum in Davos. There, he had argued that the traditional international rules‑based order no longer functions effectively and that middle‑power countries like Canada must forge new coalitions to address global challenges. By referencing Davos, Carney reinforced the continuity of his vision and highlighted Canada’s role as a convenor of progressive, middle‑power leadership.
Concrete Government Actions: Trade, Housing, and Energy
Carney pointed to specific steps his administration has taken to put his vision into practice. First, the government is actively pursuing trade agreements in Europe and beyond to offset the impact of U.S. tariffs, seeking to diversify Canada’s export markets and protect domestic industries. Second, the newly created Build Canada Homes agency aims to construct thousands of homes on federally owned land, directly tackling the affordability crisis by increasing housing supply. Third, on energy policy, Carney stressed a pragmatic approach: the government will utilize all available energy sources, “including some gas,” while simultaneously investing in cleaner, more affordable systems to ensure a realistic transition toward sustainability.
Sovereign Wealth Fund as a Nation‑Building Tool
Another flagship initiative highlighted by Carney is the Liberals’ recently announced sovereign wealth fund. He explained that the fund is designed to finance large‑scale nation‑building projects—such as infrastructure, technology, and green energy initiatives—while also allowing ordinary Canadians to invest and share in the profits. This dual purpose, according to Carney, aligns financial growth with broad public benefit and creates a tangible stake for citizens in the country’s future prosperity.
A Call for Bold, Positive Action
Carney concluded his address with a rallying cry for courage and optimism. He warned against responding to divisive forces by becoming timid imitations of them or by yearning for a bygone order that cannot be restored. Instead, he urged progressives to meet challenges with “positive action, by building that which comes next.” Echoing a sentiment often associated with entrepreneurial ventures, he declared, “We have to take risks again. Because in a crisis, fortune favors the bold.” This closing message sought to inspire summit participants to move beyond critique and embark on concrete nation‑building endeavors.
Context of the Summit: Participants and Organizers
The Global Progress Action Summit, hosted in Toronto, featured a roster of notable figures including Ministers Anita Anand, Melanie Joly, and François‑Philippe Champagne, as well as former U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg and former Swedish Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson. A private event with former U.S. President Barack Obama also took place on the summit’s Friday schedule. The gathering was organized by the think tanks Canada 2020 and the Center for American Progress Action Fund, both of which identify as progressive policy platforms committed to advancing inclusive growth and innovative governance.
Overall Significance of Carney’s Message
Prime Minister Mark Carney’s speech at the 2026 Global Progress Action Summit encapsulated a strategic vision for Canada in a period marked by economic uncertainty, technological disruption, and social strain. By diagnosing the root causes of contemporary anxiety, referencing established intellectual thought, outlining tangible policy measures, and urging bold, constructive action, Carney offered a framework that seeks to transform apprehension into opportunity. Whether these proposals will succeed in reshaping institutions and restoring public confidence remains to be seen, but the address clearly positions Canada as a proponent of proactive, forward‑looking governance on the world stage.