“Build Canada Strong” has been Carney’s mantra ever since he first entered politics, a complete neophyte, at the start of last year.
At home there are possible wide-reaching repercussions from the final tallies in the referendum’s nine other questions which dealt with issues ranging from greater provincial powers, the costs of immigration, and potential constitutional changes.
Those results are certain to provoke debate, and deal making or breaking, involving Canada’s nine other provinces and three territories. They all have their own grievances, too.
The prime minister has had to defend himself when journalists ask if he is spending too much time on foreign trips with his charm offensive to build new political alliances and trade partnerships, including an unprecedented and still uncertain offer of associate membership of the European Union.
“I can do both and I need to do both,” he recently replied with his signature bluntness before listing the more than 16 bills which went through Parliament in the last session dealing with everything from major tax changes, public safety, and the price of fuel.
For now, Carney is riding high in the polls at home – including in Alberta, which doesn’t traditionally support his Liberal party – in a long “political honeymoon” other beleaguered politicians would envy.
And the plain-speaking politician’s strong and steady response to Trump threats, including retaliatory tariffs, has seen his star rising on the world stage. It’s an unexpected turn for a country which has often been missing from top tables and has sometimes even been dismissed as “boring”.
The Economist magazine decided to put Carney on their cover, on this week of weeks for Canada, with a perfect red maple leaf between his teeth.
“Mark Carney shows middle powers how to handle a dangerous world,” reads one of its headlines, with an article which also focuses on Canada’s “vulnerabilities” including Alberta’s ballot.
“The broader takeaway from this vote might be that Canadian unity is in fine shape,” remarks David Moscrop, political scientist and author of the forthcoming book On Nationalism.
“But what happens after Donald Trump is gone and Canada no longer has a single, bombastic target which drives Canadians to rally around the flag?” he asks.
Carney’s decision to recently walk away from trade talks with the US gave rise to another swell of Canadian pride and patriotism. But if this trade war drags on with a country which traditionally takes 70% of Canada’s exports, Canadians will feel even greater pain in their daily lives.
But today is a day to vigorously wave the maple leaf flag.
“It’s a win for Team Canada and its resilience,” commented CBC journalist Janyce McGregor during the public broadcaster’s rolling coverage of a vast country of never-ending building issues.
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