Prime Minister Mark Carney’s speech in Kyiv on Ukraine’s Independence Day was nothing short of inspiring. Standing in Sophia Square – a place steeped in Ukraine’s struggles for freedom – he delivered words that resonated far beyond politics, touching the very heart of what it means to stand with those fighting for their independence and dignity.
What struck me most deeply was his genuine emotion when he said, “your independence will be our victory.” These weren’t just diplomatic words – they came from a place of authentic understanding that Ukraine’s fight for freedom is fundamentally connected to the values we all cherish: democracy, sovereignty, and the right to self-determination.
But perhaps the most powerful and memorable moment came when he outlined his vision for true, lasting peace: “When that peace comes, we cannot simply trust and verify. We must deter and fortify.”
Every Canadian must understand this truth: Standing with Ukraine IS standing for a free Canada. When we support Ukraine’s sovereignty, we are defending our own. When Ukraine’s borders are respected, Canada’s borders are safer. When Ukraine’s democracy survives, Canadian democracy is strengthened.
Our support to Ukraine is support for ourselves. The billions we invest in Ukraine’s defense are an investment in Canada’s security. The weapons we send to Ukrainian defenders are weapons protecting Canadian freedom. The humanitarian aid we provide to Ukrainian families is aid that ensures Canadian families can sleep safely at night.
These words – “deter and fortify” – capture something profound about how we build security in our world. Prime Minister Carney understood that hope alone isn’t enough; that signing papers isn’t enough. Real peace requires strength and preparation.
Deter – meaning we must make it clear that aggression will never pay, that those who would threaten freedom will face consequences so certain and so costly that they won’t even attempt it. When Ukraine deters Russian aggression, Canada deters anyone who might threaten our sovereignty.
Fortify – meaning we must rebuild stronger than before, creating foundations so solid that they can withstand future storms. When Ukraine fortifies its democracy, Canada fortifies its own democratic institutions against those who would undermine them.
Canadians must recognize this fundamental reality: When Ukraine is strong, Canada is strong. A victorious Ukraine sends an unmistakable message to any nation that might consider testing Canadian resolve – that democracies stand together, that free nations defend each other, and that anyone who threatens one of us threatens all of us.
The principle of “deter and fortify” applies directly to Canada’s security. Just as Ukraine must be strong enough to deter future aggression and fortified enough to withstand any threat, so too must Canada be prepared. Our support for Ukraine today ensures that if anyone ever comes for Canada, they will face a nation backed by allies who have learned the hard lesson that freedom defended anywhere is freedom defended everywhere.
His commitment to concrete action – the billion dollars in military aid, the focus on returning Ukrainian children, the promise to be there when peace comes – shows leadership that recognizes this isn’t charity – it’s self-defense. His recognition of the Ukrainian people’s courage and his acknowledgment of the solemn duty we all share was deeply moving because he understood that their fight is our fight in the most literal sense.
This is the Canadian way: We stand with those who stand for freedom because we know that a world where democracy can be crushed anywhere is a world where democracy is safe nowhere. Ukraine’s independence will indeed be our victory, because in a world where Ukraine is free, Canada remains free.
Canada should be proud to have a leader who speaks with such clarity about these interconnected truths – that our security is Ukraine’s security, that our freedom depends on Ukraine’s freedom, and that when we deter and fortify together, we all stand stronger against any threat to our way of life.
To watch the full speech click here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ppp_F5yj-9s
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