NEW YORK — Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed optimism about Canada's future following his participation in the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York this week. His comments came amid U.S. President Donald Trump's ongoing skepticism toward multilateralism, which he openly questioned during a speech at the 80th Session of the UNGA. Carney highlighted that "in every moment where there’s a crack, where there’s a rupture, there is possibility" and emphasized Canada's responsibility to seize these opportunities.

During his remarks, Carney assured Canadians that despite the challenges presented by global politics, "there is light, there are many possibilities." He had earlier listened to Trump's speech, where the president voiced his grievances regarding the United Nations, labeling it as an institution filled with "empty words." Trump’s rhetoric included questioning the UN's purpose and criticizing it for not living up to its potential, while he emphasized his "America First" policies that have notably altered geopolitical dynamics.

In his address, Trump complained about technical issues with a bad escalator and TelePrompTer, describing it as a disappointing experience. Although the president expressed frustrations, he later attempted to reassure international diplomats about his stance on the UN. He acknowledged that he may disagree with the organization at times but affirmed his support for it due to its "great" potential for peace.

Throughout his speech, Trump expressed concerns about U.S. allies, particularly Canada, who participated in a coordinated effort to recognize a Palestinian state following the Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel by Hamas, arguing that such recognition would only serve to reward terrorist organizations.

While Carney did not engage in a one-on-one meeting with Trump, he did attend a reception for world leaders hosted by the president that evening. The prime minister utilized his time at the UNGA to engage with CEOs and world leaders as part of a broader strategy to diversify Canada’s trade and economic interests amidst challenges posed by U.S. tariffs and trade policies. He held discussions with leaders from Asia, Africa, Europe, Latin America, and the Caribbean to explore cooperative economic opportunities.

In a more specific dialogue with Chinese Premier Li Qiang, Carney noted an increase in regular and constructive engagement between the two nations, stating, "We have an opportunity in a world that is changing rapidly." He emphasized the need to elevate the partnership between Canada and China across various sectors, hinting at the potential for renewed diplomatic relations that had been tense due to Canada's imposition of tariffs on critical commodities, including steel and electric vehicles.

These tariffs had led to retaliatory measures from China against Canadian agricultural products, notably canola, severely impacting farmers in Canada’s Prairie provinces. Before leaving New York, Prime Minister Carney planned to attend a UN summit focused on achieving a sustainable, inclusive, and resilient global economy, as well as conducting meetings with leaders, including the Prime Minister of Jamaica.

This visit to the UNGA highlighted Carney's efforts to mitigate the negative impacts of U.S. trade policies and strengthen Canada's global economic position. His interactions serve as a testament to Canada’s commitment to international cooperation amidst shifting geopolitical landscapes and the influence of unilateral policies by the U.S. under Trump’s administration.