Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney reflects on how the world has changed - how the old rules and assumptions no longer hold, and what that means for "middle powers" like Canada and Australia.
His argument isn't about nostalgia for the past, but about being honest about the world as it is now, and building real strength at home in response.
In this excerpt, he talks about something I found particularly powerful: that Canada has what the world wants - not just resources and economic capability, but the strength that comes from being a pluralist society that works. A country that is diverse, open, democratic and confident in its values.
That feels like an important message for Australia. Our diversity is not a weakness to be managed, but a strength to be built on.
Other key messages:
• Middle powers like Australia and Canada can positively construct our future in a changing world, but we need to take decisive action
• Our prosperity matters to our security and our place in the world. I've been reflecting lately on how economic strength shapes our ability to defend ourselves
More broadly, Carney's speech is about the urgency of change - particularly the urgency of economic change.
Our government should look in the mirror and ask themselves whether they are seizing this moment. Too often, responses are incremental, when what's required is greater ambition and speed. We don't always make the case for the things that really matter. I will.
Carney's words are thoughtful and challenging, and raise big questions about leadership, honesty and responsibility in a rapidly changing world. I'd really encourage you to watch or read the full address and let me know what you think.
The link is in my bio.
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