Prime Minister Mark Carney has urged Canada to develop new institutions and reimagine existing ones to tackle the widespread anxieties affecting people and governments globally. Speaking at the 2026 Global Progress Action Summit in Toronto, Carney emphasized the need for modern solutions to contemporary challenges.

Addressing the 'Politics of Grievance'

Carney highlighted the growing sense of helplessness among citizens due to the affordability crisis, immigration issues, and the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence. He noted that these concerns have fueled a "politics of grievance," which is dividing societies worldwide.

Innovative Solutions for Modern Challenges

Drawing on themes from his earlier discussions at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Carney argued that the current international rules-based order is inadequate. He stressed the importance of middle-power countries forming new coalitions to address these challenges effectively.

Quoting Canadian philosopher Marshall McLuhan, Carney described the current era as an "age of anxiety," characterized by attempting to solve today's problems with outdated tools. He acknowledged that Canada does not have all the answers but pointed to recent government initiatives aimed at modern solutions.

Government Initiatives

Carney mentioned several key initiatives, including:

  • Seeking trade deals in Europe and beyond to counter U.S. tariffs.
  • Establishing the Build Canada Homes agency to construct thousands of homes on federally owned land.
  • Creating a sovereign wealth fund to fund nation-building projects and provide profits to investing Canadians.

    • He also emphasized the need for a pragmatic approach to energy, stating that Canada must use all available energy sources, including some gas, while transitioning to cleaner and more affordable energy systems.

    Embracing Bold Action

    Carney called for bold action in the face of current crises, stating, "We have to take risks again. Because in a crisis, fortune favors the bold." He criticized the trend of politicians seeking to destroy and dismantle, urging progressives to respond by building and innovating.

    "We can’t match them by being timid imitations of them. We can’t answer them by pining for an old order that’s not going to return," Carney said. "It can only be answered by positive action, by building that which comes next."

    Global Progress Action Summit

    The summit, organized by think tanks Canada 2020 and the Center for American Progress Action Fund, brought together progressive leaders and thinkers. Former U.S. President Barack Obama attended a private event on Friday, highlighting the summit's significance.