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Harper Urges National Unity Over Trump‑Era Threats to Canadian Sovereignty

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Former Prime Minister Harper Calls for Sacrifices to Protect Sovereignty Speaking at the unveiling of his official portrait in Toronto on Feb. 4, 2026, Stephen Harper warned that Canada must be prepared to make “any sacrifice necessary” to preserve its independence amid what he described as unprecedented challenges [1]. He thanked current Prime Minister Mark Carney for attending and framed the remarks as a call to action for all Canadians [1].

Trump’s Proposals Heighten Canadian Security Concerns Harper cited President Donald Trump’s suggestion that Canada become the 51st state, looming tariff threats, and a renewed push to acquire Greenland as direct threats to Canadian sovereignty [1]. He emphasized that these moves strain NATO relations and jeopardize Canada’s 3,000‑kilometer maritime border with Greenland [1].

Harper Appeals to Liberals and Conservatives to Set Aside Differences The former leader urged both major parties to unite against external and domestic dangers, warning that internal debates such as an Alberta separatist referendum—where Premier Danielle Smith estimates support around 30%—could further destabilize national unity [1]. He positioned bipartisan cooperation as essential to countering the “external and domestic threats” he outlined [1].

Prime Minister Mark Carney Supports Harper’s Message and Highlights Economic Record Carney praised Harper for defending Canadian sovereignty and highlighted his own government’s balanced‑budget conservatism and decisive deficit spending during the 2008 financial crisis [1]. He echoed the call for a stronger, less U.S.–dependent Canada, stressing the need to build capacity in good times for resilience in bad times [1].

Strategic Shift Toward Reduced U.S. Dependence Both speakers stressed that Canada must strengthen its economic and defense capabilities to lessen reliance on the United States, a theme that reflects broader strategic recalibrations within Canadian policy circles [1]. The emphasis on “building a stronger, less U.S.–dependent Canada” signals a potential pivot in trade, energy, and security planning [1].

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Timeline

2024 – Russia deploys its Oreshnik hypersonic missile in Ukraine, demonstrating speeds ten times that of sound and exposing the inadequacy of Cold‑War‑era early‑warning radars in the Arctic, prompting calls for space‑based sensors and over‑the‑horizon radar upgrades [1].

April 2025 – The United States issues an executive order asserting dominance over Arctic waterways, intensifying competition with Russia and China and setting the stage for heightened U.S.–Canada strategic friction [1].

2025 – President Donald Trump proposes that Canada could join the U.S. “Golden Dome” missile‑defence program for $61 billion or become the 51st state, a suggestion that fuels Canadian concerns over sovereignty and economic coercion [1].

Jan 20, 2026 – At Davos, Prime Minister Mark Carney declares the old post‑war order will not return, urges middle powers to unite, reaffirms Canada’s support for Greenland and NATO, and warns that powerful nations are using economic coercion as a weapon [3].

Jan 20, 2026 – A Trump‑generated AI map on Truth Social superimposes the U.S. flag over Canada, Greenland and Venezuela, shocking Canadians and prompting Ottawa to recalibrate its response to U.S. pressure [4].

Jan 20, 2026 – U.S. Ambassador Pete Hoekstra says potential U.S. intervention in the Arctic remains “mostly hypothetical” while Canada signals it may deploy troops to Greenland as a symbolic sovereignty gesture [4].

Jan 22, 2026 – Returning from Davos, Carney addresses a cabinet retreat in Quebec City, calls for national unity, pledges rapid execution of an economic plan that breaks domestic trade barriers and diversifies partners beyond the United States, and frames Canada’s future as values‑driven rather than U.S.-dependent [2].

Jan 23, 2026 – Carney rebuts Trump’s Davos remarks, emphasizing that Canada thrives on its own values, while Trump withdraws Canada’s invitation to his “Board of Peace” and reiterates that the Golden Dome system could be operational by the end of his term [6].

Jan 24, 2026 – Canada announces a commitment to raise defence spending to 5 % of GDP by 2035, funding new over‑the‑horizon radars, submarines, aircraft and additional Arctic troops to counter hypersonic threats and reinforce sovereignty in a region contested by the United States, Russia and China [1].

2026 – The Canada‑U.S‑Mexico Agreement (USMCA) faces its mandatory review, a process that could reshape trade rules amid ongoing U.S. tariff threats and diplomatic tension [6].

Feb 3, 2026 – Former Prime Minister Stephen Harper, unveiling his portrait in Toronto, urges Canadians to make “any sacrifice necessary” to protect sovereignty, cites Trump’s statehood and tariff threats, and calls on Liberals and Conservatives to unite against external and domestic challenges [5].

2026 onward – Canada plans to deploy additional over‑the‑horizon radar sites, expand its submarine fleet, and consider stationing troops in Greenland, actions that aim to sustain a robust Arctic presence despite U.S. pressure and evolving geopolitical competition [1][4].

2028 (expected) – The U.S. Golden Dome missile‑defence proposal, promoted by Trump, targets operational status by the end of his presidential term, potentially integrating over‑the‑horizon and satellite sensors that could involve Canadian participation pending future negotiations [6].

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