Former prime ministers Jean Chretien and Stephen Harper shake hands after participating in a panel discussion, after Harper received a gold medal from the Royal Canadian Geographical Society in Ottawa on Monday.Justin Tang/The Canadian Press
Former prime ministers Stephen Harper and Jean Chrétien called on Canadians to stand united and help the country become less dependent on the United States to counter economic and sovereignty threats from U.S. President Donald Trump.
The onetime Conservative and Liberal leaders sat down to talk about the country’s challenges Monday at an event held by the Royal Canadian Geographical Society, where Mr. Harper was awarded a gold medal for his promotion of Arctic sovereignty and national parks as prime minster from 2006 to 2015.
Conservatives celebrate anniversary of Harper’s first win while contemplating the party’s future
The wide-ranging conversation dealt with Mr. Trump’s America First agenda, which has included his trade war, disparagement of allies such as Canada and interest in controlling the High Arctic militarily and economically.
Mr. Chrétien and Mr. Harper acknowledged Mr. Trump’s policies are a danger to Canada but they said the country can survive by sticking together, remaining united and making policy decisions that diversify trade away from the United States.
Both leaders noted Canada has survived U.S. threats in the past, including the War of 1812, which the U.S. lost.
“Our pride does not have to be not liking Donald Trump. We should be proud as a people and as a nation,” Mr. Harper told moderator John Geiger, chief executive officer of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society. “There is no reason why this country should not be as nationalistic as anyone else. We have a lot to be proud of. It is a tremendous country.”
Mr. Chrétien went even further, suggesting the Trump presidency is the end of American hegemony, which has largely ruled the international system since the end of the Second World War.
“I think it is probably the beginning of the end of the American empire and it has to come,” he said. “But we are in a very good position. We are the best educated people in the world.”
Opinion: Mark Carney delivered hard truths at Davos. Canadians deserve to hear the same
The two men, who both promoted Canada’s role in the Arctic, said there needs to be a serious focus on the High North, especially because great powers such as the U.S., Russia and China are increasingly active in the region.
“There are lots of threats to the North that are actually quite serious,” Mr. Harper said. “But I didn’t think it would be our southern neighbour. We have to be able – especially now – to do surveillance and reach and ultimately defend all of our lands, seas and skies without the support of allies.”
Mr. Chrétien was more blunt: “It is clearly Canadian. Now, some people look at Canada and they would like to take it over from us. But we will stand on guard – don’t worry.”
Both leaders talked up the country and had little time for those who criticize past historical abuses. Mr. Chrétien was particularly upbeat about how Canada is a beacon to many people fleeing poverty and despotic regimes.
“One of the problems is we look back all the time rather than look at the future that we can bring together,” he said. “It’s why everybody would give everything they have to have the privilege to come and share our so-called misery.”
Mr. Chrétien noted that issues of national unity have always been an issue for political leaders. The Parti Québécois is promising to hold a third sovereignty referendum if it wins the next provincial election in the fall. There is also movement afoot to hold a referendum on independence in Alberta.
At a time when Mr. Trump is threatening the economic well-being of the country, Mr. Harper said the country needs to be strong and united.
“There are people obviously in both parts of the country who think differently, but I think the reality is that [if] the federal government manages the country right and puts the emphasis on unity and not on ideological tangents, there is no reason why we can’t pull the country together.”
Mr. Harper is in Ottawa to celebrate 20 years since his 2006 swearing-in as prime minister. On Tuesday, Mr. Harper’s official portrait by famed painter Phil Richards will be unveiled.