Many Canadians have reacted positively to former Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s call for Canada’s political parties to set aside political differences and work together at a moment of crisis. And some MPs are demonstrating the kind of leadership that puts Canada’s interests above scoring short-term political points.
Last week, Canada opened up a consulate in Greenland, in a show of solidarity with Greenland and Denmark after their sovereignty was put under threat by the Trump Administration:
“Canada continues to express support for Denmark and Greenland. In addition to strong public statements from the Prime Minister and other top Canadian officials pushing back against U.S. President Donald Trump’s threats, Canada has now opened up a consulate in Nuuk, the capital of Greenland.
By doing so, Canada is on the right side of history and is showing itself to be a strong ally, which is crucial not only from an ethical perspective but also a strategic perspective, given that we need our allies to stand with us as the United States continues its effort to break our nation and wreck our economy.”
In a positive development, there was bipartisan support for the announcement, with Conservative MP Shelby Kramp-Neuman, who holds an official critic role as the Shadow Minister for Canada-US Trade, being part of the Canadian delegation to Greenland and stating support for the consulate opening:
The bipartisan show of support demonstrates that there are issues on which Canadians across the political spectrum can agree. Prime Minister Mark Carney and the Canadian Government have shown strong support for Greenland and Denmark, as has Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre:
Canada needs more of this. Whether in addressing the challenge posed by a more hostile United States, domestic policy challenges, or supporting our allies, Canada can accomplish much more when the government and opposition find common ground, stand up for Canada’s interests, and put politics aside. Let’s hope we continue to see more MPs showing strong bipartisan leadership.
Spencer Fernando
Image – Twitter
If this piece left you clearer than it found you, that's the point. I write for readers who want to think past the week, to see the longer pattern beneath the daily story, and to come away steadier rather than more agitated.
That longer view gets built somewhere. On Patreon, essay by essay, I'm constructing The Long Work, a body of analysis meant to outlast the news cycle that prompted it. The readers there make it possible. No subsidies, no strings. The work answers to them.
$8/month to read it as it's built, and to have a hand in building it.