Ottawa — “Canada is ready to lead on the world stage,” declared Liberal leader Mark Carney this week, signaling a bold foreign policy direction. With the U.S. pulling back from multilateral leadership, Carney is proposing a coalition of like-minded countries—even if it means moving forward without Washington. But is Canada truly prepared to fill that global void?
This idea aligns with suggestions made by Alan Wolff, former deputy director-general of the World Trade Organization (WTO), who recently told La Presse that Canada is well-positioned to champion a much-needed WTO reform.
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On Thursday, in response to a new 25% U.S. tariff on Canadian automobiles, Carney reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to international institutions. “We believe in international cooperation and in the free and open exchange of goods, services, and ideas,” he stated.
And if the U.S. chooses not to lead, “Canada will,” Carney affirmed.
According to international law professor Richard Ouellet of Laval University, this could mark Canada’s real return to the global stage—provided the Liberals form the next government. “This isn’t just talk—this is about real leadership,” he said. “Bringing ideas, building coalitions, making alliances—and not waiting for those who don’t want to act.”
Instead of waiting for consensus among all 166 WTO member nations, Canada could proactively strike agreements in areas like digital trade, sustainable development, overfishing, and investment facilitation with countries ready to move forward.
Though Canada is considered a “middle power,” its reputation for upholding the rule of law grants it significant influence in multilateral institutions, says Ouellet. “We have more clout than our economy or population size would suggest.”
Strategic Trade Alliances Already in Place
Canada has already secured major trade deals with both the European Union and Pacific nations through the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) and the CPTPP. That places the country in a unique position, says Lawrence Herman, an international trade lawyer and advisor to Carleton University’s Canada-U.S. relations expert group.
“We’re part of the world’s two wealthiest economic blocs,” Herman noted. “That gives us an excellent platform to deepen trade relations.”
Carney underscored this point by citing his recent talks with leaders from Mexico, Germany, the UK, France, and the European Commission—all allies in the pursuit of free and fair trade.
Still, words must be backed by action, cautions Fen Osler Hampson, co-chair of the Canada-U.S. Relations Expert Group. Hampson argues that failing to meet key international commitments—such as NATO’s 2% GDP target for defense spending—undermines Canada’s credibility.
“If you don’t contribute meaningfully to international institutions, your leadership claims won’t carry weight,” Hampson said. “Carney needs to explain how he will make Canada stronger.”
Competing Visions: Conservatives Push U.S. Trade Focus
Carney has pledged to hit NATO’s 2% defense spending goal by 2030—two years ahead of the current government’s timeline. Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre also supports meeting that target but intends to fund it through a new, expanded trade deal with the U.S., although he has yet to provide a timeline.
Speaking at a campaign rally in Ontario, Poilievre argued that boosting defense spending is necessary for sovereignty—not to appease Washington. He also pledged to slash international aid, a move at odds with Canada’s stated leadership goals.
A Role to Play for the Global South
Hampson insists that if Canada is serious about global leadership, it must support developing countries hit hardest by U.S. tariffs—some facing duties nearing 50%, such as Cambodia and Lesotho.
“Giving trade preferences and development aid to these countries could help them weather this turbulent period,” he said, warning that instability in the Global South will eventually ripple back to Canada.
Canada stands at a crossroads: with traditional global powers stepping back, the opportunity—and responsibility—to lead has never been more pressing.
This article is originally published on lapresse.ca
