Prime Minister Mark Carney closed the 2026 Global Progress Action Summit in Toronto on Friday, arguing that Canada must build new institutions and reimagine old ones to address modern anxieties. The summit brought together federal ministers Anita Anand, Melanie Joly, and François-Philippe Champagne, along with current and former U.S. and European politicians including Pete Buttigieg and Magdalena Andersson.
Carney said the loss of control people feel over the affordability crisis, immigration, and artificial intelligence has fuelled a "politics of grievance" dividing people worldwide. Quoting Canadian philosopher Marshall McLuhan, Carney described the current period as an "age of anxiety" caused by "trying to do today's job with yesterday's tools". He argued that new challenges require new solutions, echoing themes from his World Economic Forum address in Davos, where he contended the international rules-based order no longer functions and middle-power countries must build new coalitions.
The Prime Minister outlined several government initiatives as examples of modern solutions. These include seeking trade deals in Europe and beyond amid U.S. tariffs and creating the Build Canada Homes agency, which aims to construct thousands of homes on federally owned land. Carney also highlighted the recently announced sovereign wealth fund, which he said will finance nation-building projects while allowing regular Canadian investors to share in profits.
On energy policy, Carney acknowledged difficult realities, stating the government's approach includes using "all sources of energy, including some gas," while working toward cleaner, more affordable energy systems.
Carney characterised the current moment as one where progressives must respond to destructive politicians through positive action rather than timid imitation. "We can't answer them by pining for an old order that's not going to return," he said. "It can only be answered by positive action, by building that which comes next". He concluded by urging boldness, saying "We have to take risks again. Because in a crisis, fortune favors the bold".
