Politicians always tell you what they are if you pay attention. If they make promises and don’t deliver, shame on them. Carney telegraphed what he is when advising Trudeau and with his book “Values”. People shouldn’t be surprised that he is such an elitist ideologue, that’s what he told us he was. He won on the promise of knowing how to handle people like Trump… he doesn’t, he is clueless in that regard but he is a master at fear mongering. That won’t be good for Canada but likely good enough to scare the elbows up brigade into giving him the majority he so covets.
He over sold his abilities and deceived a large portion of the electorate and it looks like he’s getting ready to do it again sooner rather than later. Too bad the electorate is so gullible and isn’t paying close attention.
He may actually have been best able to deal with Trump, but he cannot. I think it is absolutely imperative to the Liberals that they stay in power. Too many Ministers and bureaucrats might face criminal charges if the economic malfeasances of the last decade are exposed. SNC, ArriveCAN, WE, SDTC, election interference, fentanyl, money laundering, burgeoning consultant contracts and the floor crossings are all areas where Liberal actions only make sense if there are ulterior motives. Why else withhold or brutally redact the paperwork?
This is a very sobering assessment of the current political landscape in Canada.
I find it very troubling to see the way that the media are complicit in the carefully orchestrated fear mongering that will be needed to "justify" a need for a "stable" majority government through an early election. Seeding stories into the news cycle by government officials who aren't authorized to speak on the record, just as unattributed sources is a shady tactic and reputable news outlets should put a stop to the manipulation.
The other factor is the Conservative Party who are quickly becoming bystanders in the daily media coverage. Carney is pulling a Trump, flooding the zone from multiple directions, China, Davos, Coastal First Nations, Trump, Battle of the Plains of Abraham...it's enough to make reporters heads spin.
Get the lawn signs ordered, the election is coming.
$4 billion to plan how to plan a high-speed railroad perfectly sums up Liberal* unseriousness. The answer to any problem is to hire consultants or add bureaucracies.
I may be just a product of my time…but isn’t government SUPPOSED to know what to do WITHOUT consultants. I mean f**k, they have enough employees. Shouldn’t someone out of the hundreds of thousands be able to figure something out on their own??!!
If this doesn’t justify drastically reducing government size…I don’t know what does!
I liked his speech at Davos but it became immediately clear that no one was changing their behaviour: "negotiating" a settlement on the Greenland demand (predicated on complete nonsense) in a completely disjointed fashion, and then Zelenskyy's speech essentially asking, "ok, then based on this new understanding are we ready to go?" to the sound of crickets.
On China, just a failure tactically and strategically. Why announce it before the Supreme Court ruling on tariffs? Why sacrifice a legally justifiable tariff for a symbolic number of vehicles to eliminate a legally unjustifiable tariff (now to be replaced on a higher quantity of canola to the US)? Why call it a strategic partnership, a term that would ensure the wrath of Trump and co.? Why wasn't the principle of holding firm on China, an abusive and small trade trade partner, and horrendous human rights violator, as important as it seems standing firm against Trump is now?
The U.S. Supreme Court was gracious enough to delay the release of its Tariff Decision until after the President attended Davos. There was no tactical benefit by giving that speech in advance of the decision, recognizing that not all of the new emergency Tariffs are covered by it in any event. And that the U.S. Administration has other options, apparently, in the event they’re struck down. If the Court will do your dirty work, the only reason why you’d jump into the fray is for ancillary benefits (ie domestic politics).
Yet another great article, Mark. My sentiments precisely.
Keep them coming. Although be careful as it may ultimately lead to a desperate call from citizens to help run our country. Lord knows we need someone with a brain making decisions as we haven’t had that for quite a while in Ottawa. We would be so far ahead as a country if we just stop making ‘own goals’. And yet MSM keeps supporting those that pay their bills, surprise, surprise…
An outstanding historicsl and present day perspective. I truely bekieve the Davos speech was a shot in the foot moment! But few will see that despite an opinion piece like this!
Good writing and very clear that Carney is laying the groundwork for the next election. The question is will the new version of Elbows Up work a second time? The answer to that depends on how many Canadians are taken in by the “adult” in the room.
Will Canadians fall for elbows up 2.0. Of course, the lib boomers lap up the MSM narrative and how wonderful his speech was. Their absence of critical thought means a shoe in for the libs once again. We are entirely stupid sadly enough.
This is my first time reading Mr McQueen. I'm glad I have found such an erudite writer. It is such a pleasure not to be preached at, or be fed platitudes. There are a couple of things I would mention though. America didn't enter the Great War until 1917, so their casualties occurred between 1917-18. Their involvement was crucial in turning back the Hun though. I agree the cancellation of the Avro Arrow was a short sighted decision. However, a country needs deep pockets to support something a pricy as a delta wing supersonic interceptor, and in Canada it has never been popular to tell the public they will have to tighten their belts so we can spend more money on defence. I don't recall any of our Prime Ministers from Dief on who supported our armed forces, and felt they needed more money (especially PET). Ive never been fond of Canada's Natural Governing Party. To me, they have always prioritized style over substance. I hope Mr Carney is successful in his negotiations with Mr Trump, but I agree Mr Carney's recent antics seem more about preparing for an election than anything else. Thanks Mr McQueen for your analysis.
Spot on Mark! Well presented...and you know who gets the predicament we are in? The Trump Admin. Our elbows aren't big or high enough. We have to get back to the table with them and accept our reality. It will be challenging however, as the media driven TDS is the biggest roadblock as that is what the majority consumes.
I don't agree with all of the analysis about how we got here, but you are right that we are where we are and the best strategy would be to play to our strengths and improve our position without needlessly antagonizing our largest trading partner.
I can't agree that Carney has done it on purpose. Why does everyone think he is so smart and so accomplished? What has he actually ever DONE? I know he has BEEN a lot of things and held a lot of seemingly important positions, but what has he actually ACCOMPISHED in these positions? Plus he is still surrounded by the same fools as JT.
I think this strategy was devised by a group of people who really don't understand how the world works and Canada's position in the "world order". They are taking actions based on a naive belief in how they would LIKE the world to work. It looks great on paper and in the columns of the NY Times, but is doomed to failure.
"never attribute to malice what can be attributed to incompetence"
Let me know if I’ve got your article straight… the Davos speech was a failure. The fact that virtually all of the audience gave it a standing ovation was that they did not agree or understand it.
The move to replace the USA as our only major trading partner is flawed. We should rather kow-tow to the despotic, dementia ridden and illA lot of people
It’ll take time to materially expand our exports. In the meantime, due to a variety of choices we’ve taken over the last 75 years, it makes no sense to piss on the shoes of our best customer. A fact of life.
Everything you wrote is true. Its a well written essay.
And you understand the decisions made by Carney on an intellectual level.
I don't want to say 'you don't get it', because you do - and yet you don't. Neither do most people who read the opinion of some random business guy.
As I stated, you got it. Its all about values. You simply don't share those values. And its the same values decision made by all oppressed/bullied groups through all time. You go along together along, or you don't. You take down the picture from the windows, or you don't.
You and your readers are the keep it in the window group. Many Canadians are not.
Ill put it another way.
Two people have jobs. The jobs pay put the roof over their head and food on their plates. Their bosses come over unannounced, unwelcome, and eat your food, sit in your chair, maybe have thier way with your wife. One of the people says he'll no knowing they'll loose their job. The other does along to get along.
You and your readers are the second person.
Most busines people are like that. They value the money over ANYTHING else. And it seems impossible for them to understand how anyone else doesn't.
Thanks for stopping by, As someone who spent five years on Parliament Hill, and almost half of that time in the PMO, I’m not sure that the “random business guy” label fits perfectly. Regardless, I’d be interested in how you think this strategy helps ensure Canada’s economic future over the next five to ten years.
Unfortunately for your average working Canadian this is all in the fine Liberal tradition of getting votes in the next election. There is nothing Carney is doing that helps Canadian interests.
Wonderfully well researched and objectively written. Thank you.
I hope folks take the time to give it a thoughtful read.
The TDS stuff has got to stop. The elephant will sit where it wants and we’ve invited it to sit down.
That a good little boy. The elephant aka the US is collapsing. way to show your weakness and capitulation to the big bad neighbour 😏
What are you smoking?
The U.S. has never been stronger.
Ask Syria, Iran, Russia, China, NK, Venezuela, Cuba, Columbia and the head of NATO.
Weakness masquerading as strength. That’s the US under Trump. The US is literally in stage 5 of collapse. Look into it
Do explain that to me. I would love to follow your logic. Be like a trip… LOL!
Sure lol
You take another hit?! I forgot to mention HAMAS and Hezbollah. Gaza is going to be great again.
Grow up
Educate me, or don’t waste my time.
Not sure what you’re accomplishing with your stupidity. You’re a waste of skin it would seem.
Politicians always tell you what they are if you pay attention. If they make promises and don’t deliver, shame on them. Carney telegraphed what he is when advising Trudeau and with his book “Values”. People shouldn’t be surprised that he is such an elitist ideologue, that’s what he told us he was. He won on the promise of knowing how to handle people like Trump… he doesn’t, he is clueless in that regard but he is a master at fear mongering. That won’t be good for Canada but likely good enough to scare the elbows up brigade into giving him the majority he so covets.
He over sold his abilities and deceived a large portion of the electorate and it looks like he’s getting ready to do it again sooner rather than later. Too bad the electorate is so gullible and isn’t paying close attention.
He may actually have been best able to deal with Trump, but he cannot. I think it is absolutely imperative to the Liberals that they stay in power. Too many Ministers and bureaucrats might face criminal charges if the economic malfeasances of the last decade are exposed. SNC, ArriveCAN, WE, SDTC, election interference, fentanyl, money laundering, burgeoning consultant contracts and the floor crossings are all areas where Liberal actions only make sense if there are ulterior motives. Why else withhold or brutally redact the paperwork?
This is a very sobering assessment of the current political landscape in Canada.
I find it very troubling to see the way that the media are complicit in the carefully orchestrated fear mongering that will be needed to "justify" a need for a "stable" majority government through an early election. Seeding stories into the news cycle by government officials who aren't authorized to speak on the record, just as unattributed sources is a shady tactic and reputable news outlets should put a stop to the manipulation.
The other factor is the Conservative Party who are quickly becoming bystanders in the daily media coverage. Carney is pulling a Trump, flooding the zone from multiple directions, China, Davos, Coastal First Nations, Trump, Battle of the Plains of Abraham...it's enough to make reporters heads spin.
Get the lawn signs ordered, the election is coming.
The difference is when Trump floods the zones, it's with actions. Carney is just talk about agreements to future agreements.
$4 billion to plan how to plan a high-speed railroad perfectly sums up Liberal* unseriousness. The answer to any problem is to hire consultants or add bureaucracies.
* yes, I know what Dougie is supposed to be.
I may be just a product of my time…but isn’t government SUPPOSED to know what to do WITHOUT consultants. I mean f**k, they have enough employees. Shouldn’t someone out of the hundreds of thousands be able to figure something out on their own??!!
If this doesn’t justify drastically reducing government size…I don’t know what does!
Good piece.
I liked his speech at Davos but it became immediately clear that no one was changing their behaviour: "negotiating" a settlement on the Greenland demand (predicated on complete nonsense) in a completely disjointed fashion, and then Zelenskyy's speech essentially asking, "ok, then based on this new understanding are we ready to go?" to the sound of crickets.
On China, just a failure tactically and strategically. Why announce it before the Supreme Court ruling on tariffs? Why sacrifice a legally justifiable tariff for a symbolic number of vehicles to eliminate a legally unjustifiable tariff (now to be replaced on a higher quantity of canola to the US)? Why call it a strategic partnership, a term that would ensure the wrath of Trump and co.? Why wasn't the principle of holding firm on China, an abusive and small trade trade partner, and horrendous human rights violator, as important as it seems standing firm against Trump is now?
This is bad business.
The U.S. Supreme Court was gracious enough to delay the release of its Tariff Decision until after the President attended Davos. There was no tactical benefit by giving that speech in advance of the decision, recognizing that not all of the new emergency Tariffs are covered by it in any event. And that the U.S. Administration has other options, apparently, in the event they’re struck down. If the Court will do your dirty work, the only reason why you’d jump into the fray is for ancillary benefits (ie domestic politics).
Yet another great article, Mark. My sentiments precisely.
Keep them coming. Although be careful as it may ultimately lead to a desperate call from citizens to help run our country. Lord knows we need someone with a brain making decisions as we haven’t had that for quite a while in Ottawa. We would be so far ahead as a country if we just stop making ‘own goals’. And yet MSM keeps supporting those that pay their bills, surprise, surprise…
An outstanding historicsl and present day perspective. I truely bekieve the Davos speech was a shot in the foot moment! But few will see that despite an opinion piece like this!
He used both barrels. One for each foot.
Elbownians love it.
Good writing and very clear that Carney is laying the groundwork for the next election. The question is will the new version of Elbows Up work a second time? The answer to that depends on how many Canadians are taken in by the “adult” in the room.
Can Canadians be THAT stupid and naive?
Yes.
Most Canadians I've met are morons. Including me. But, at least I am not glued to the CCP-CBC and can make educated decisions on my own.
Exceptional analysis and context, Mark
Will Canadians fall for elbows up 2.0. Of course, the lib boomers lap up the MSM narrative and how wonderful his speech was. Their absence of critical thought means a shoe in for the libs once again. We are entirely stupid sadly enough.
Your best work. Bravo
This is my first time reading Mr McQueen. I'm glad I have found such an erudite writer. It is such a pleasure not to be preached at, or be fed platitudes. There are a couple of things I would mention though. America didn't enter the Great War until 1917, so their casualties occurred between 1917-18. Their involvement was crucial in turning back the Hun though. I agree the cancellation of the Avro Arrow was a short sighted decision. However, a country needs deep pockets to support something a pricy as a delta wing supersonic interceptor, and in Canada it has never been popular to tell the public they will have to tighten their belts so we can spend more money on defence. I don't recall any of our Prime Ministers from Dief on who supported our armed forces, and felt they needed more money (especially PET). Ive never been fond of Canada's Natural Governing Party. To me, they have always prioritized style over substance. I hope Mr Carney is successful in his negotiations with Mr Trump, but I agree Mr Carney's recent antics seem more about preparing for an election than anything else. Thanks Mr McQueen for your analysis.
Spot on Mark! Well presented...and you know who gets the predicament we are in? The Trump Admin. Our elbows aren't big or high enough. We have to get back to the table with them and accept our reality. It will be challenging however, as the media driven TDS is the biggest roadblock as that is what the majority consumes.
Agreed. Pay attention to Bessent and Hoekstra, they are just saying it like it is.
I can’t laugh hard enough at the stupidity and naivety of your comment
I don't agree with all of the analysis about how we got here, but you are right that we are where we are and the best strategy would be to play to our strengths and improve our position without needlessly antagonizing our largest trading partner.
I can't agree that Carney has done it on purpose. Why does everyone think he is so smart and so accomplished? What has he actually ever DONE? I know he has BEEN a lot of things and held a lot of seemingly important positions, but what has he actually ACCOMPISHED in these positions? Plus he is still surrounded by the same fools as JT.
I think this strategy was devised by a group of people who really don't understand how the world works and Canada's position in the "world order". They are taking actions based on a naive belief in how they would LIKE the world to work. It looks great on paper and in the columns of the NY Times, but is doomed to failure.
"never attribute to malice what can be attributed to incompetence"
Let me know if I’ve got your article straight… the Davos speech was a failure. The fact that virtually all of the audience gave it a standing ovation was that they did not agree or understand it.
The move to replace the USA as our only major trading partner is flawed. We should rather kow-tow to the despotic, dementia ridden and illA lot of people
It’ll take time to materially expand our exports. In the meantime, due to a variety of choices we’ve taken over the last 75 years, it makes no sense to piss on the shoes of our best customer. A fact of life.
Everything you wrote is true. Its a well written essay.
And you understand the decisions made by Carney on an intellectual level.
I don't want to say 'you don't get it', because you do - and yet you don't. Neither do most people who read the opinion of some random business guy.
As I stated, you got it. Its all about values. You simply don't share those values. And its the same values decision made by all oppressed/bullied groups through all time. You go along together along, or you don't. You take down the picture from the windows, or you don't.
You and your readers are the keep it in the window group. Many Canadians are not.
Ill put it another way.
Two people have jobs. The jobs pay put the roof over their head and food on their plates. Their bosses come over unannounced, unwelcome, and eat your food, sit in your chair, maybe have thier way with your wife. One of the people says he'll no knowing they'll loose their job. The other does along to get along.
You and your readers are the second person.
Most busines people are like that. They value the money over ANYTHING else. And it seems impossible for them to understand how anyone else doesn't.
Thanks for stopping by, As someone who spent five years on Parliament Hill, and almost half of that time in the PMO, I’m not sure that the “random business guy” label fits perfectly. Regardless, I’d be interested in how you think this strategy helps ensure Canada’s economic future over the next five to ten years.
What an insulting comment ...
Pure sophistry.
Unfortunately for your average working Canadian this is all in the fine Liberal tradition of getting votes in the next election. There is nothing Carney is doing that helps Canadian interests.