The rare standing ovation from the audience at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, was a thunderous acknowledgement of the straight truth and inspiration of Prime Minister Mark Carney’s speech.

As I listened to the delivery, to the straightforward and intelligent content, to the acknowledgement, finally, that this is the “turn of the tide” in geopolitics, I smiled. Finally a leader who stood up in front of his peers and simply spoke the straight truth.

And, as always, Mark Carney was the consummate professional – literate, eloquent, well-informed, and focused. In sixteen minutes he called out the state of the world and declared Canada was a key player in achieving a new cooperative, sustainable world order that was culturally and  economically respectful.

He also called out the hegemon who attempt to disrupt the progression to a sustainable new world order through military bullying and economic terrorism. Without saying any names, he called out the biggest bullies on the world stage and basically said, to quote from The Who’s rock opera Tommy: “We’re not gonna take It anymore!”

My favourite quote of the speech was a caution for all the middle powers, like Canada, who were attending the forum,: “If you’re not at the table, you’re on the menu.”

But  most of all, he closed with a clear message of what it is to be a Canadian:

“Canada is a pluralistic society that works. Our public square is loud, diverse and free. Canadians remain committed to sustainability.

We are a stable and reliable partner in a world that is anything but. A partner that builds and values relationships for the long term.

And we have something else. We have a recognition of what’s happening and a determination to act accordingly.

We understand that this rupture calls for more than adaptation. It calls for honesty about the world as it is.”  Prime Minister Mark Carney, Davos Switzerland,  January 20, 2026.

Oh Canada ! We are proud for thee! The way I see it.

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*image from CBC