Sep 16, 2026 2:14 PM - Connect Newsroom - Ramandeep Kaur with files from The Canadian Press

Former Canadian Conservative Prime Minister Stephen Harper has praised Prime Minister Mark Carney’s efforts to diversify Canada’s trade during his closing remarks at the two-day Canada Investment Summit in Toronto.
Harper supported the federal government’s decisions in the energy sector and said Canada had little choice but to step back from trade negotiations with the United States.
He said reducing Canada’s dependence on the U.S. and redirecting trade toward other countries would bring challenges, but expressed confidence that Canadians would be able to manage them.
Harper also praised Carney’s efforts to make Canada an energy superpower. During his own tenure as prime minister, Harper had also focused on promoting Canada’s natural resources in global markets.
Notably, Harper appointed Carney as Governor of the Bank of Canada. The two leaders continue to remain in contact on economic issues.


