Lloyd Axworthy vs. Mark Carney
Former Liberal Minister is Carney’s toughest critic
Good morning – Here is your Saturday newsletter.
In peace
Steve
For readers of a certain generation, Lloyd Axworthy represents a Golden Era for Canada on the international stage during the 1990s after the Cold War.
Serving as Prime Minister Jean Chrétien’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Lloyd Axworthy helped to shift power away from the nuclear-armed superpowers toward increased multilateralism, international institutions, and disarmament. Chief among his accomplishments is the global treaty banning anti-personnel landmines, established through what has become known as “The Ottawa Process.”
Now his presence is being felt in Ottawa once again – this time as one of the leading critics of the emerging agenda of Prime Minister Mark Carney. And not everyone is happy to see him.
Through his writings and media appearances, the 85-year-old progressive academic and statesman has been calling out the popular Prime Minister for his handling of U.S. President Trump – especially Carney’s interest in Trump’s “Cockamamie” Golden Dome missile shield (as PeaceQuest readers will know).
The criticism of Carney does not sit well with those who feel it's too soon to pass judgment, and assume that the former Central Banker is playing a masterful game of strategy against Trump that cannot be revealed to Canadians (not yet, anyway).
But in case you’ve missed it, here are some of the observations by Lloyd Axworthy in recent weeks since the election:
Carney “bootlicking” by withdrawing tax on U.S. social media giants
“A Friday night watching the news—witnessing, yet again, the capitulation, the fawning, the cheapening of a world that once stood for basic values. A world that once admired courage and character. A world that stood up to dictators and maniacal narcissists.
“At what point do we stop cringing before the abusive, racist bullying of Donald Trump? When do we stop pretending it’s all part of some clever negotiating strategy that justifies bootlicking in hopes of tariff concessions?” Substack, June 29, 2025.
Carney’s support for Golden Dome a “betrayal”
“After winning an election on a clear promise to assert a more independent foreign and defence policy – including a move away from reliance on U.S. weaponry, military strategy and security doctrine – this is more than just a baffling development. It’s a betrayal of the vision Canadians voted for.” The Globe and Mail May 22, 2025.
Getting off the sidelines of the Middle East crisis
“Now, under Prime Minister Mark Carney, Canada is undertaking its most significant defence investment in generations…But true leadership demands more than armed readiness. It demands the courage to lead with principle and the will to restore diplomacy to its rightful place in our foreign policy, too.
The Middle East needs more than troops. It also needs bridge-builders. It needs honest brokers and peacekeepers. And it needs advocates committed to a revitalized UN.” Toronto Star, June 26, 2025
Carney’s tightening border controls on immigration and refugees
“Canada is under growing pressure — from its own electorate and from Donald Trump — to better control its borders and manage migration flows… Canada’s legacy as a nation of refuge is worth defending — but it requires more than pride. It requires policy choices that protect the vulnerable, even when it is politically inconvenient.
“Get it right, and Canada sets the global standard: refugees find safety, and our country grows and thrives with their help.
“Let expediency prevail, and we simply join the ranks of other nations turning their backs on those who are most in need.” Policy Magazine, June 19, 2025
Carney putting his “elbows down”
“The media still seems to be on a post-election honeymoon. Perhaps it’s time for some tougher questions—starting with Mark Carney.
“What is his actual game plan? Does it still reflect the promise of independent Canadian action that helped carry the election?
“It’s time to put the elbows back up.” Substack, June 21, 2025
Leave a comment explaining your vote.
Readers say Carney is not off to a good start
Last week I asked you to answer the question, “Is the Carney government off to a good start?” Three-quarters of respondents answered “No” (75%), while almost one-in-ten said, “Yes” (8%) and nearly two-in-ten (17%) said they didn’t know or were unsure.
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Steve
I appreciate Lloyd Axworthy’s comments. I fear that our hard earned and maintained democracy is being swiftly eroded. To ram through the most recent Bill of legislation is NOT DEMOCRATIC without opportunity for public comment and revision.I am very disappointed in Mark Carney’s behaviour.
Our very source of life being THE ENVIRONMENT gets NO MENTION. THE ENVIRONMENT upon which human kind depend for the life giving gifts of clean air water and earth gets NO MENTION. Also ABORIGINAL needs due to our careless handling of their land, like creating and continuing support for businesses which pollute these gifts, the very sources of healthy life gets NO MENTION.
Yes I am very uneasy with the dilly dallying with President Trump . Any of his nature will continue unless stood up to with consistency of position. I do not want my tax dollars to be put into excessive armaments, nor into creating delivery systems of fuel when other sources are ignored and danger of the delivery system breaking and polluting more of out life giving sources.
I am a scared Canadian who has observed governments for most of my 90 plus years. I want the kind of Canada I have had during my lifetime.
Like many I was relieved to see the Liberals and with them Mark Carney prevail in the federal election; I thought his legacy was seeing the whole picture :-the fact that the economy depends on people and the natural environment not the other way around. Now I am wondering does Carney really have a strategic negotiation plan? To be clear; When sadism , cynicism and brutal greed rule and are admired, it is impossible for any politician to get back to humane principles . What is needed is the support of the people to risk "the economy" ( which is bound to falter anyway )and demand an economy that has a footing in the real world: materials , energy peoples skills and ingenuity. Disallow monopolies, uncover financial schemes, have corporation pay for doing business instead of luring them with ever more concessions. This means people who have big portfolios or even moderate ones need to see sharing is essential.