Mark Carney’s apology to Donald Trump: Far from ‘elbows up,’ it seems Canada has no elbows at all

Mark Carney’s Apology to Donald Trump Sparks Controversy

An Ontario advertisement highlighting Ronald Reagan’s support for free trade took an unnecessary risk, but Mark Carney’s apology to Donald Trump was an avoidable misstep. Recently, Canadians learned that Prime Minister Mark Carney apologized for an Ontario ad that correctly quoted Ronald Reagan’s views on the value of free trade.

The Implications of the Apology

“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.”

This apology suggests a willingness to downplay facts to preserve the Canada-U.S. relationship, signaling a preference for conciliation over confrontation.

Canada’s Political Posture Toward Trump

During last spring’s election, the slogan “Elbows up” and "Canada Strong" were used to frame Canada’s stance against Trump. However, both the federal government and the Official Opposition often adopt a conciliatory tone that borders on submissiveness. Rather than showing strength, Canada frequently appears to lack assertiveness.

Mark Carney’s Role and Criticism

Carney apologized for something he was not responsible for and that was defensible under normal Canada-U.S. relations. Critics of Ontario Premier Doug Ford and defenders of Carney, often overlapping groups, argue that the ad itself should not have been aired, despite its factual basis.

Author’s summary: Mark Carney’s apology over a factually accurate ad marks a troubling pattern of excessive conciliation from Canada toward the U.S., risking national dignity for diplomatic ease.

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The Conversation The Conversation — 2025-11-04

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