“Trump has unified Canadians more than ever,” says Jean Chrétien

For his 91^e anniversary, former Prime Minister of Canada Jean Chrétien offered himself an open letter in The Press in order to be able to “express ourselves on a major problem which affects the state of the nation”, namely the threats made by the future American president Donald Trump “against our sovereignty”.

Titled Trump has united Canadians more than everJean Chrétien’s letter is particularly addressed to two people, namely the president-elect of the United States and the federal and provincial leaders, or even those who aspire to lead our country.

A message for Donald Trump

The Prime Minister of Canada from 1993 to 2003 thus made a point of informing the future American president that threats and insults would not change the minds of Canadians on the question of the country’s sovereignty, they who are very proud of the best country in the world and – among other things – its social safety net, even if it is imperfect.

To Donald Trump, from one old man to another: wake up!

You don’t know that when it came to fighting in two world wars for freedom, we signed up – both times – years before your countryunderlines the man who is not used to being tongue-tied.

On the same note, Jean Chrétien took the opportunity to praise a measure taken under his mandate, namely Canada’s refusal to engage in war unjustified and destabilizing against Iraq, despite pressure from our neighbors to the South.

We built a nation on the most rugged and difficult territory imaginable. And we did it against all odds. We may appear easy-going and gentle. But make no mistake, we are determined and tough.

Regarding Donald Trump’s statements:

Canadians are ready to follow

The second – and longer – part of the message, which is addressed to Canadian leaders, is intended to be much more strategic and invites proactivity. Because, according to Jean Chrétien, you don’t win a hockey game by only playing defenseand that the same old approaches are obsolete.

Start showing that determination and tenacity. This is what Canadians want to see — this is what they need to see. This is called leadership.

Canadians are ready to follow. You must lead the wayjudges the former prime minister.

Judging Trump’s attitude as not being diplomacy, but rather blackmail, Jean Chrétien is however amazed to see that the President Trump accomplished one thingorunite Canadians more than ever before.

To my great satisfaction, even the Bloc Québécois defends Canada!

As an example, Jean Chrétien explains that Canada should assert its border problems with the United States with them, particularly regarding the entry of illegal weapons into the country and the recognition of the Northwest Passage, in the Arctic.

Internal and international links

The 91-year-old also prescribes as a priority to reduce the country’s vulnerability, in particular by strengthening ties within this region itself. vast nation, for example by creating a real energy network across the country.

This could also involve strengthening Canada’s international relations beyond the United States, since other countries – such as Denmark – are also affected by threats from the president-elect, who will take office in less than two weeks.

Every time Mr. Trump opens his mouth, he creates new allies for all of us. Let’s get organized!

Certain that the strength in numbers prime raw and unreasonable powerand sure of the fact that Trump just beginningJean Chrétien urges Canada to launch a multilateral meeting on this subject.

Without directly naming the internal crisis that has plagued his party in recent weeks or the federal – and provincial – elections to come next year, Jean Chrétien launched a general message of peace and compassion for the country’s politicians, which he has already qualified as most best country in the world.

The current – ​​and future – generation of political leaders should remember that they are not enemies of each other, but adversaries.

No one has ever loved the toughness of the political arena as much as I do. But I always understood that each of us was trying to make a positive contribution to making our community and our country a better placedeclared the nonagenarian, who said in good health.

A rare appearance in recent weeks

If the former prime minister sometimes comes out of the shadows for interviews and statements, this open letter marks one of Jean Chrétien’s only media outings in recent weeks.

A few days ago, Montreal YouTuber William Rossy (aka Sprouht), known for his discussions with seniors, published an interview in English with the former prime minister.

Titled A 91 Year Old Prime Minister Shares His Best Life Lessons (91-year-old prime minister shares his best life lessons), the video of the interview is not focused on politics, but rather on the advice that Jean Chrétien would give for being successful, being appreciated by others and being able to cope with stress.

Many prime ministers hate question period. I loved it. It was a challenge.

In our family, working is a pleasure. […] For many, working is a burden. I never had a problem getting up and going to work. I always found interest in what I did. But I was lucky, I always had an interesting job.