Prime Minister Mark Carney stirred controversy with his address in Quebec City just two days after receiving praise at the World Economic Forum in Davos. Speaking on Jan. 22 from the Plains of Abraham, Carney highlighted the 1759 battle that marked the beginning of a partnership between Canada’s founding peoples. However, many francophones view the site as a symbol of national humiliation and loss of agency.
Carney’s 30-minute speech drew criticism from various political figures in Quebec. Alexandre Boulerice, the sole New Democrat MP in Quebec, labeled it as a historical reinterpretation that doesn’t resonate with most Quebecers. Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-François Blanchet demanded an apology from Carney for his perceived error, while Parti Québécois Leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon refuted Carney’s narrative during his own speech at the party’s convention.
Despite facing backlash, Carney defended his comments, attributing Canada’s formation to the resilience of French-speaking people and acknowledging Indigenous contributions. Quebec’s French-language minister, Jean-François Roberge, and Quebec Liberal Party interim leader Marc Tanguay also criticized Carney’s speech for inaccurately portraying the historical context of Quebec’s conquest. Journalist Chantal Hébert deemed Carney’s remarks a significant misstep, cautioning that the repercussions extend beyond sovereignist circles.
In response to the criticism, Carney reaffirmed his stance during an address in Ottawa, emphasizing the recognition of multiple founding peoples in Canada’s history, including Indigenous communities.