Carney praises Canadians' unity as July 1 celebrations continue

In his first Canada Day address as prime minister, Mark Carney emphasized unity in a "changing" world. 

"One hundred and 58 years ago, a few provinces bet on the idea that they'd be stronger together than they ever could be apart. They were right, and so they became a new federation that's now grown into our strong, bilingual, multicultural and ambitious country," Carney said in his video address. 

That unity includes writing the country's "next chapter" together "in true partnership with First Nations, Inuit and Métis." 

WATCH | Carney's message to Canadians:

Prime Minister Carney's message on Canada Day

6 hours ago

Duration 2:13

In his first Canada Day address as prime minister, Mark Carney emphasized Canadian unity in a 'changing' world.

Speaking at a Canada Day event in Ottawa, the prime minister took a moment to acknowledge some recent challenges.

"We find ourselves in a situation where our economy has been attacked by a trade war we didn't start ... in a situation where our values are being tested by attacks on democracy and freedoms — attacks that we must resist."

In an interview with CBC's Catherine Cullen, Carney said "we'll see" if Canada and the U.S. can reach a trade deal by July 21, a previously agreed-upon deadline set by the two countries. 

"We're doing what is necessary in order to get the best deal for Canadians. If we get the best deal for Canadians, we will agree to it. If we can't we won't — it's that simple," he told CBC. 

WATCH | Carney talks Canada-U.S. relationship:

Canada 'doing what is necessary' to get the 'best deal' with the U.S., says Carney

4 hours ago

Duration 2:34

Prime Minister Mark Carney speaks with CBC News for an annual Canada Day interview.

Asked about a growing separatist movement in Alberta, Carney said he remembered tensions between Alberta and the federal government when he was growing up in the province. 

"What happened is we came together, helped build the province … everyone coming together," he said. "Alberta's a great province and this is an even greater country. The same's going to happen again."

Carney noted in his address that Canadians have been uniting "in a more divided and dangerous world," pointing to his one-Canadian economy plan as a way to push back against instability. 

"This is the greatest nation on Earth. Our destiny is to make it greater still — not by what we say, but by what we do. Happy Canada Day."

Find out how to follow the day's celebrations by clicking here.