May 2, 2025

Canada’s New PM Speaks: Key Takeaways from Mark Carney’s First Press Briefing

Canada’s New PM Speaks: Key Takeaways from Mark Carney’s First Press Briefing
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Canada’s New PM Speaks: Key Takeaways from Mark Carney’s First Press Briefing
Canada’s New PM Speaks: Key Takeaways from Mark Carney’s First Press Briefing
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Season 2025

In this episode of Bigger Table, listeners are introduced to Canada's new Prime Minister, Mark Carney, who makes his debut at his first official press conference with a message that is both bold and transformative. Guided by the core principle of action over identity, Carney unveils a sweeping vision for Canada's future, promising what he describes as the most significant economic overhaul since World War II.

Carney underscores a mandate for action as he reflects on a historic voter turnout, driven by nearly 20 million Canadians participating in the national election. With a focus on collaboration and resilience, he plans to unite provinces, Indigenous communities, labor unions, business leaders, and citizens to rejuvenate the Canadian economy.

The Prime Minister also outlines specific plans to alleviate cost-of-living concerns, including a middle-class tax cut timed for Canada Day, expansion of national programs like daycare and pharmacare, and the enhancement of dental care services. A groundbreaking initiative, Build Canada Homes, announces $25 billion in financing to kickstart a modular and prefabricated housing industry, leveraging Canadian resources and ingenuity.

On international affairs, Carney's assertive stance is revealed with his scheduled meeting with President Trump and a firm defense of Canadian sovereignty against prospects of integration with the U.S. He reaffirms security enhancements, pledging to bolster RCMP ranks and implement tighter border controls to combat serious crimes.

Carney also makes a commitment to prudent fiscal management, aiming to reduce federal budget growth from 9% to 2% without compromising provincial or personal funding. This episode of Bigger Table encapsulates a pivotal moment for Canada as Carney calls on Canadians to unite in their shared mission, much like athletes from different teams coming together for the national cause. The episode closes with a message of encouragement and a reminder of the podcast's mission to foster more voices, fewer barriers, and genuine progress.

00:06 - Press Conference Highlights

02:02 - Foreign Policy and Security

03:25 - Call to Unity and Action

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In today's episode, Canada's new Prime Minister stepped up to the mic for his

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first official press conference.

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Let's just say he didn't hold back.

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You're listening to Bigger Table, where more chairs, fewer walls,

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and greater progress aren't just a slogan.

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They're the mission. Let's get into it.

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Mark Carney delivered a focused, ambitious message, one that blends economic

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boldness with political confidence and sends a clear signal to both Canadians and the world.

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Canada is ready to lead on its own terms. He opened by recognizing the historic turnout.

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Nearly 20 million Canadians voted, more than in any election in the last 30 years.

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That, he said, is a clear mandate for action.

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Carney's central theme? He's not here to be something, he's here to do something.

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Big things, fast. and he's framing his term as nothing short of a national transformation.

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He promised the most significant economic overhaul since World War II,

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one that will bring provinces, indigenous communities,

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labor unions, business leaders, and everyday citizens together to build a stronger,

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more resilient Canadian economy.

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On the cost of living, Kearney laid out concrete plans, a middle-class tax cut

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taking effect by Canada Day, saving families up to $825,

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protection for programs like $10 daycare and national pharmacare,

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expanded dental care for 8 million more Canadians.

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He also announced GST cuts on new homes and a major reduction in development

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charges for multi-unit housing aimed at lowering housing costs.

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But his biggest housing play? A brand new initiative called Build Canada Homes,

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backed by $25 billion in financing to launch a modular and prefabricated housing industry,

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powered by Canadian workers, Canadian tech, and Canadian lumber.

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Turning to foreign policy, Carney confirmed he'll meet with President Trump

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next week in Washington and made it clear the talks will be tough, but necessary.

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When asked about Trump's suggestion that Canada could become the 51st U.S.

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State, Carney didn't mince words, that will never, ever happen.

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Canadians have spoken. Sovereignty is not negotiable.

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On security and safety, he committed to hiring 1,000 new RCMP officers,

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strengthening border enforcement, and tightening bail laws for serious crimes

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like home invasions and human trafficking.

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He also promised to lower immigration pressures, capping temporary workers and

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international students to under 5% of the population by 2027, down from a peak of 7.3%.

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And on government spending, Ancarni says it's time to rein it in.

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The federal budget has been growing at an unsustainable 9% per year.

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He plans to bring that down to 2%. There will be no cuts to transfers to provinces or individuals.

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There will just be smarter government, less duplication, more technology use,

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and better results for Canadians.

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In his words, we can give ourselves more than the Americans can ever take away.

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That's not just a soundbite. It's a mission statement.

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As he wrapped up, Carney called on Canadians to come together,

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like hockey players from rival teams suiting for Team Canada.

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The election is over, now it's time to build.

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Big, bold, and starting now. Thanks for listening to Bigger Table.

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We'll be back soon with more stories that matter and the voices pushing for progress.

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Until then, keep building.

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Thanks for pulling

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Up a chair at Bigger Table. If you believe in more voices, fewer walls,

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and real progress, please help us grow.

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Follow, review, and share this podcast.

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Until next time, keep building a bigger table.