Latest news with #nationalUnity
CTV News
3 days ago
- Business
- CTV News
Oil pipeline: Legault will not make efforts to attract a private developer
Premier François Legault during question period on May 20, 2025. (The Canadian Press/Jacques Boissinot) Quebec Premier François Legault has no plans to make any special efforts to attract a private developer who might propose a pipeline project. The question of building a pipeline in the name of national unity was on everyone's lips on Monday morning as the premiers' meeting got underway in Saskatchewan. The provincial and territorial premiers are spending the day in Saskatoon at the invitation of Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, who wants to discuss projects of 'national interest.' All governments, with the exception of Quebec and British Columbia, have agreed in principle to an oil pipeline to enable oil exports to Asia and Europe. Several scenarios are on the table; Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has indicated that she would prioritize a route connecting British Columbia to Hudson Bay. This route, which does not pass through Quebec, may disappoint some: New Brunswick Premier Susan Holt has reaffirmed that her province is keen to provide a port for oil exports. By Caroline Plante, The Canadian Press This report by The Canadian Press was first published in French June 2, 2025.
Malay Mail
3 days ago
- General
- Malay Mail
Unity not an option, it's a national requirement, says Anwar
KUALA LUMPUR, June 2 — Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim today stressed that national unity is no longer an option, but rather a key requirement to ensure the continuity of the country's development. He said unity is the foundation of a country's development and is a catalyst for Malaysia's progress. 'Malaysia will only remain strong if we stand together united.'Stability and national unity are the basic conditions for all progress. In a world that is rapidly changing and full of challenges, unity is not an option, it is a necessity,' he said this in his congratulatory speech at the investiture ceremony to present federal awards, stars and medals in conjunction with the official birthday celebration of His Majesty, Sultan Ibrahim, King of Malaysia, at Istana Negara today. — Bernama
Globe and Mail
29-05-2025
- Business
- Globe and Mail
Canadians remain optimistic about national unity regardless of political differences, data show
In the leadup to recent political disruptions, including tensions with the U.S. and growing discussion of Western separatism, most Canadians were hopeful about the future of national unity and appeared to harbour positive or neutral feelings toward each other, regardless of differences in political views, according to newly released data. Two Statistics Canada reports published Wednesday delve into measures of national unity and social cohesion, a relatively new area of exploration for the federal statistics agency. As the research was conducted in April, 2024, it does not capture recent shifts in sentiment in response to more recent developments such as the trade war with the U.S. However, one of the reports says, the data 'serve as a useful baseline for Canadians' sense of national unity and their societal outlook prior to these events and future comparisons.' Most respondents were hopeful about the future of Canadian society. More than eight out of 10 said they were hopeful about unity, and a similar proportion said so about democracy. A slightly lower proportion – 75 per cent – said they were hopeful about the economic opportunities. However, difficulty meeting financial obligations and poor health conditions were linked to relatively lower hopefulness about unity. Majority of Canadians think Western separatism is serious: poll The data also suggest that national unity had rebounded last year, after declining during the pandemic. The research found 80 per cent of respondents reported a strong or very strong sense of belonging to Canada by late 2024. That's up from 72 per cent in mid-2022. (Statscan warns that comparisons across time should be made with caution, because different methods were used to measure unity.) The new data also sheds light on how Canadians felt about each other, including those who may hold different political views. More than three quarters of respondents had warm or neutral feelings about people whether they share their political views or not. 'That stands in slight contrast to some other work that's been done in this area, and only 2.4 per cent who had very warm feelings towards people with similar political views also had very cold feelings towards people with different political views,' said Samuel MacIsaac, a senior research analyst at Statscan who authored both reports, in an interview. However, Canadians were less forgiving toward those who hold different views on racism and gender identity, according to the data. About a quarter of respondents who held very warm feelings toward people who share their views on racism held very cold views on those who do not. Dr. MacIsaac acknowledged that Statscan hasn't historically delved into the interplay between social cohesion and politics, making these studies novel: 'There was definitely a lot of caution taken, because as a national statistical agency … we have an apolitical mandate." He added: 'You'll notice, right off the bat, these questions differ from pollsters and academics that may have more liberty in terms of measuring people's political views.' Statscan has in the past looked into how Canadians feel about others who belong to the same social circle, such as friends, colleagues and neighbours. However, Dr. MacIsaac said overlooking how they feel about people who do not belong to their 'in group' could overstate the level of social cohesiveness in society. Since spring last year, when the data were collected, the issue of unity has risen to the top of the political agenda because of tensions within the country and with the United States. While the federal election had sparked discussions about Western provinces seceding from the country, recent polling shows only a minority of Canadians in those regions are interested in separation. U.S. President Donald Trump's talk of annexing Canada as well has his decision to impose tariffs have also reignited a sense of national pride in this country. Prime Minister Mark Carney will have a chance to put his approach to national unity to the test early next week in Saskatoon, when he meets with provincial and territorial premiers. Mr. Carney has said he wants to eliminate interprovincial trade barriers and support large nation-building infrastructure projects.
CTV News
27-05-2025
- Business
- CTV News
Canada ‘indeed strong and free' King Charles III says in historic speech from the throne
King Charles III delivered the speech from the throne on Tuesday, kicking off the 45th Parliament with a message centred on national unity and prosperity, and affirming Canada's sovereignty, punctuated by the conclusion that 'as the anthem reminds us: The True North is indeed strong and free.' 'The Crown has for so long been a symbol of unity for Canada,' he said. 'It also represents stability and continuity from the past to the present. As it should, it stands proudly as a symbol of Canada today, in all her richness and dynamism.' King Charles' historic delivery of the speech comes amid tense relations with the United States and Prime Minister Mark Carney's efforts during the election to position himself as the best person to take on U.S. President Donald Trump and his sovereignty threats. It is the third time a reigning monarch has delivered the speech, the first being by Queen Elizabeth II, in 1957 and 1977. 'Today, Canada faces another critical moment,' King Charles said, after detailing the geopolitical situation at the time of his mother's first delivery of the speech from the throne, in 1957. 'Democracy, pluralism, the rule of law, self-determination, and freedom are values which Canadians hold dear, and ones which the government is determined to protect.' 'The system of open global trade that, while not perfect, has helped to deliver prosperity for Canadians for decades, is changing,' he added. 'Canada's relationships with partners are also changing.' The speech from the throne, written by the prime minister and his team, is typically delivered by the governor general, and lays out the government's priorities for the new Parliament. It is one of the first steps in a new parliamentary session, after the swearing-in of MPs and the election of a new Speaker of the House, which took place Monday. Speech reiterates campaign promises Carney campaigned on a promise of economic growth and national unity, and much of the throne speech included near-verbatim election pledges. In that vein, the address included seven themes: 'Building new relationships with the United States and the world'; 'building a more affordable Canada'; 'building a stronger Canada'; building a safer and more secure Canada'; 'building a united Canada'; and 'building Canada strong by spending less and investing more.' 'Canada is ready to build a coalition of like-minded countries that share its values, that believe in international co-operation and the free and open exchange of goods, services, and ideas,' the King said, seemingly echoing Carney's promises to buttress Canada against over-reliance on the United States amid an ongoing trade war. The 25-minute speech also confirmed government commitments to create a new 'major federal project office,' and to 'boost Canada's defence industry by joining ReArm Europe.' The former will streamline approvals to reduce the amount of time to break ground on infrastructure projects. The latter is a legal and financial package to support defence investments and procurement for European Union member states. Joining ReArm Europe would be in line with Carney's promise to reduce Canadian reliance on the United States. A pledge to invest in the Canadian Armed Forces was also included in the speech, along with a vow to 'protect Canada's sovereignty.' Those come amid ongoing threats from Trump to annex Canada, including previous comments he would use economic force to do so. The government is also vowing to protect more of Canada's nature — called 'core to Canada's identity' in the speech — by creating new national parks, urban parks, and marine protected areas, plus 'other conservation initiatives.' And, the government says it will cap the total number of temporary foreign workers and international students, to 'attract the best talent in the world to build our economy, while sending a clear message to Canadians working abroad that there is no better time to come home.' Earlier this month, Carney signed a symbolic order signalling his government will prioritize passing his promised middle-class tax cut. Surrounded by his cabinet shortly after their swearing-in, Carney signed a note of instruction directing his ministers to prepare the legislation to be tabled first thing upon Parliament's return. That pledge was reiterated in the speech from the throne, and Finance Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne tabled a motion Tuesday to bring that tax cut forward. Carney has also promised to eliminate interprovincial trade barriers by Canada Day, with King Charles confirming the government will introduce legislation to do so. In the Senate chamber during the speech were Supreme Court of Canada judges. Also in attendance were several dignitaries, including former prime ministers Stephen Harper and Kim Campbell. Seated next to Harper and just feet away from Carney was his predecessor, Justin Trudeau, whose presence at the throne speech marks his first notable public appearance since the Liberal leadership election in March. Mila Mulroney, the wife of the late former prime minister Brian Mulroney, was also in attendance, as were former governors general Michaelle Jean and David Johnston. Conservatives, NDP react to throne speech Speaking to reporters outside the House of Commons on Tuesday, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre thanked King Charles for delivering the speech, while criticizing the speech for excluding certain issues. Namely, he said, commitments to build pipelines and repeal a slate of laws from the previous Liberal government were absent from the speech. Poilievre also cited Bill C-75, related to bail reform, and Bill C-69, which many Conservatives have dubbed the 'no more pipelines act,' as examples of laws he wants to see repealed. 'Let's replace the talking points with real plans to get it done,' Poilievre said. 'That is what Conservatives pledged to do. That is what Canadians voted for us to fight for, and that is what we will deliver.' After losing his seat in last month's election, Poilievre remains Conservative leader but cannot serve as Official Opposition leader. In his stead, Andrew Scheer has taken on the role of Conservative leader in the House of Commons. Interim NDP Leader Don Davies said the speech included 'broad platitudes' and 'nothing really new.' 'I will say there are some positive indications in that throne speech that New Democrats can support,' Davis said on Parliament Hill Tuesday, pointing to promises to build a 'strong independent Canadian economy,' eliminate interprovincial trade barriers, and invest in housing. On the negative side, he said, 'this is not a worker-centred throne speech.' Davies has replaced former leader Jagmeet Singh at the helm of the New Democrats, after the latter lost his seat in the election. The NDP has also lost official party status. 'From an economic point of view, this is a very Conservative throne speech, and I think it's going to be a very Conservative government,' Davies said. 'And that's why New Democrats are going to be, I think, such an important voice as Parliament to be pushing for progressive policies.' Meanwhile, Bloc Quebecois Leader Yves-François Blanchet pointed to Trump as the instigating factor in the election. 'We arrive at the throne speech, which is the only serious piece we will have, because there will not be a budget or economic statement this spring,' Blanchet said in French on Parliament Hill Tuesday, adding it was 'a little astonishing' that the speech did not address Trump or the trade war directly, in his view. The Bloc leader also criticized Carney for positioning himself as a type of 'CEO' of the country, with the provinces viewed as 'regional offices.' 'I'm not mad at him now, and I intend not to be. It is the way it works where he comes from, (but) this is not the way it works in this place, and this is not the way it works in this federation,' Blanchet said. With files from CTV News national correspondent Rachel Aiello
South China Morning Post
21-05-2025
- Politics
- South China Morning Post
India government accused of ‘mischievous intent' in Tharoor pick for Kashmir mission
The Indian government's move to appoint opposition leader Shashi Tharoor to head a diplomatic mission explaining New Delhi's position on the Kashmir conflict has sparked backlash within his own Congress Party, laying bare internal fractures and fuelling claims the ruling party is exploiting this division. While the multiparty delegation was billed as a show of national unity following last month's deadly militant attack in Indian-administered Kashmir, Congress leaders have accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi 's government of bypassing the party's recommended nominees and politicising the process by unilaterally including Tharoor. Party spokesman Jairam Ramesh said the government had acted with 'mischievous intentions', noting that only one of the four names suggested by Congress – Anand Sharma – had been accepted. Tharoor, he stressed, was not on the list. 'The Congress Party believes that national interest is paramount … Let the MPs go. We will not stop them. We will not boycott this delegation. We do not politicise it,' he said. Tharoor's acceptance of the role has deepened the rift, with some party leaders accusing him of undermining internal discipline. He responded by insisting that cross-border terrorism was a bipartisan concern tied to national security, not party allegiance. A former UN undersecretary general and parliamentarian known for his eloquence and foreign policy credentials, Tharoor lost the 2022 race to be the Congress Party president to Mallikarjun Kharge – a veteran politician backed by the Nehru-Gandhi family, which continues to wield an outsize influence in party affairs. Congress Party spokesman Jairam Ramesh says the government is acting with 'mischievous intentions' by picking Shashi Tharoor. /The India Today Group Analysts say the controversy underscores a recurring issue for Congress – the marginalisation of independent or reform-minded leaders – even as the party struggles to mount a credible challenge to Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which has held power since 2014.
