Carney highlights aid Gander residents gave U.S. during 9/11 at N.L. campaign stop
Carney spoke in Gander after beginning election campaign in St. John's
Liberal Leader Mark Carney continued travelling in Newfoundland on Monday with a campaign stop in Gander, locking in on the support residents showed travellers from the United States during the Sept. 11 attacks over two decades ago.
Carney's podium speech included a nod to Gander's response during the attacks, which saw residents step up to support travellers when planes were diverted to Gander.
"We have to look out for ourselves, and we have to look out for each other like you did in Gander," Carney told a crowd that had gathered.
"Unfortunately, President Trump's actions have put that kinship under greater strain."
Carney's speech concluded by telling the crowd he would fight for Canada in his mandate.
His visit also included conversations with residents of Gander who helped travellers — and particularly, Americans — during 9/11. Diane Davis told CBC News she spoke with Carney for about an hour.
"We talked about the fact that, you know, we have to be proud of who we are, and we can't let threats change how we react to people in need," Davis said.
"We had a lot of things in common in our conversation. He's very easy to talk to."
Davis said she also told Carney of the positive repercussions that have come in the decades that have followed Sept. 11. She'll soon be meeting virtually with high school students in Maine to tell them about it, and said it's important that Americans be reminded of it.
"I showed [Carney] cards where Grade 8 students had thanked me…. One of the cards that I just happened to pull out, the little girl said 'Your stories of kindness inspire me to be more kind," Davis said.
"I think it's important to be kind. It's also important to put your foot down and be strong, and I think we can do both."
Among the crowd was 17-year-old Joseph Scott, who told CBC News he resonated with Carney's words.
"I guess it's good to have somebody on Canadians' side. I'm proud to be Canadian, but there's a lot of stuff going on right now," Scott said. "[I heard] some good stuff, some promising things, and I hope, you know, it will come true."
Central candidate commits to supporting harvesters
Carney kicked off his election campaign in St. John's on Sunday, promising tax cuts while addressing the hundreds of protesting fish harvesters that had gathered outside the city's convention centre.
During his speech, Carney acknowledged the protesting harvesters, and said he is there to listen. He said his government will take a closer look at the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, with the goal of creating a sustainable fishery and potentially restructuring the department.
Lynette Powell, the acclaimed Liberal candidate for Central Newfoundland, said she's hoping to learn more about the issue from voters but backed Carney's commitment.
"I'm going to figure out what their concerns are, and I'm going to work on their behalf. I know they're frustrated and it's their livelihood. I see what happens when they can't work, so I am very invested," Powell said.
"All of us want this fishery to be around so that our grandkids are still able to fish."
Powell said she's running to ensure that rural Newfoundland is properly represented nationally.
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With files from Troy Turner and Ashley Burke