Prime Minister Mark Carney outlines diplomatic, citizenship and unity policies

Prime Minister Mark Carney said Canada is at a disadvantage without an embassy in Iran, noting the lack of diplomatic presence hampers consular assistance and that there are no current talks to restore ties. He also commented on Venezuela’s deadly earthquakes, confirming Canada is preparing humanitarian aid.

Carney announced a new security memorandum of understanding with Qatar to combat transnational crime and strengthen public safety. He vowed to defend Canadian unity ahead of Alberta’s October 19 separation referendum, warning that a vote to leave would create years of uncertainty and citing the Brexit experience. At the Calgary Stampede he reiterated that leaving Canada is not a “magic wand” and highlighted cooperation on a proposed bitumen pipeline.

Addressing concerns that dozens of people were asked to surrender proof of citizenship under Bill C‑3, Carney promised an investigation and timely explanations, noting nearly 4,100 successful claims are under review. He also disclosed a plan to restore the official prime‑ministerial residence at 24 Sussex, outlining three possible options and the high maintenance costs incurred in recent years.

Finally, Carney defended a federal proposal to help convert vacant condos in British Columbia into affordable housing, stating the government would fund 10% of the roughly $1.45 billion project and stressing it targets homebuyers, not distressed developers.