In a speech to the Australian parliament in Canberra, Carney advocated for middle powers like Canada and Australia to build new coalitions less reliant on the United States. He said the two nations should act as 'strategic cousins' rather than competitors. 'In the old world and even to a degree today, the temptation has been to see ourselves as competitors,' Carney stated. 'In this new world, we should be strategic collaborators. To boost investments, accelerate technical cooperation, enhance supply chain resilience, expand our domestic processing abilities, while boosting our strategic autonomy.' This follows signals from Carney at the Davos forum earlier this year that Canada wants to break its dependence on the US.
Carney announced that Australia will join the G7 critical minerals alliance, according to his speech. According to reports, Canada and Australia together produce 34% of global lithium stocks, 32% of uranium supply, and 41% of iron ore. The specific status of the G7 critical minerals alliance following Australia's accession remains unclear, as does what new coalitions or agreements might emerge from Carney's advocacy.
Carney also criticized recent US and Israeli strikes on Iran, stating they appear unlawful due to lacking UN Security Council support or an imminent threat. 'The action that was taken, we weren't consulted on it,' Carney said. 'There was not a process, a broader process for it. It would appear, prima facie... to be inconsistent with international law.' In contrast, Australia has expressed support for the strikes while not participating in them, highlighting differing positions among traditional US allies.
Canada's decision to slow-walk negotiations was 'the worst strategy I've ever heard'.
Addressing economic tensions, Carney announced a new 24-member advisory committee on economic relations with the United States, according to multiple reports. The committee includes former Conservative leader Erin O'Toole, former Conservative cabinet minister Lisa Raitt, former provincial premiers PJ Akeeagok and Jean Charest, and former Canadian high commissioner to the UK Ralph Goodale. It will meet for the first time on 27 April. How this committee might influence upcoming trade negotiations is uncertain.
This comes ahead of a scheduled review of the North American Free Trade Agreement between Canada, the US, and Mexico in July. US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick has called the current agreement a 'bad deal' for Americans that may be allowed to 'lapse' this summer. Carney said in a video address that Canada's close ties to the US have become weaknesses due to US tariff policies. 'Many of our former strengths, based on our close ties to America, have become weaknesses,' he stated. 'Weaknesses that we must correct.'
On defense, Carney said Canada and Australia should build up capabilities including next-generation drones, surveillance aircraft, cyber, and AI tools. 'Security can't be achieved by ignoring the obvious or downplaying the very real threats that we Canadians face,' he pledged. 'I promise you I will never sugarcoat our challenges.' Detailed plans for these enhancements have not been specified. Responses from other middle powers like Japan or South Korea to Carney's calls are also not yet known.