A video clip featuring Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has gained traction online. Carney used the phrase ‘Make America Great Again’ during a speech in New York, sparking the term ‘Maple MAGA’ and some social media mockery. However, Carney did not endorse former U.S. President Donald Trump or the MAGA movement. His intention was to highlight that a robust Canadian economy could be beneficial for the United States.
Why ‘Maple MAGA’ is Gaining Attention
The clip circulated after Carney addressed attendees at the Economic Club of New York, stating: ‘This is good for all Canadians, but it is also good for the United States, because it makes us a better ally.’ He elaborated, ‘Canada Strong will help make America great again.’ Carney’s pledge, ‘stand up to Donald Trump and build a stronger Canada,’ inspired the phrase. ‘Maple MAGA’ has since become synonymous with Canadians or political movements appearing aligned with Trump’s approach.
Background and Context
Carney rose to power amid tensions with the U.S., marked by Trump’s characterization of Canada as the 51st state and a trade war between the two nations. The Canadian government moved closer to European NATO members who also faced U.S. criticism. In January, Carney remarked on the use of economic integration as coercion by powerful global players.
Despite past tensions, Carney adopted a conciliatory stance toward the U.S. during his speech, ahead of a crucial review of the USMCA—a significant trade agreement between the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The review comes at a time when Canada grapples with a technical recession marked by two successive quarters of economic contraction. The prime minister faces mounting economic pressure.
Emphasizing ‘Mutual Strength’
Instead of endorsing MAGA, Carney advocated for collaboration between the U.S. and Canada: ‘We should work together and compete with the world together.’ He acknowledged past differences but stressed shared values and interests between the two nations.
The economic ties between the U.S. and Canada are substantial. Approximately 99 percent of American natural gas imports and 85 percent of its electricity are sourced from Canada. Over half of U.S. crude oil supplies come from Canada as well. Carney highlighted, ‘Canada is America’s largest customer, buying more goods than China, Japan, and Germany combined.’ This dynamic underscores their mutual strength.