Wednesday December 24, 2024 | NATIONAL [VICTORIA, BC – Posted at 11:03 pm PT]
Analysis by Mary P Brooke – Island Social Trends | Prime Minister’s statements posted in full
Prime Minister Mark Carney has delivered his televised Christmas message today, and a statement on the Prime Minister’s website.
This one line encapsulates Carney’s vision to protect Canada’s sovereignty in particular by strengthening the economy: “We’re strongest when we are united, when we look out for each other, and when we take care of each other.”
Carney’s first budget leads Canada into a new period of stronger investments in national defence (2% of GDP by March 31, 2026 and 5% by 2035). While not overtly stated as to degree, Canada now prepares for a stronger military for what may or may not come. The Liberal government has been looking at purchasing more fighter jets and submarines. Military salaries are being boosted.
Behind the scenes, the strength of the Carney’s Liberals in the House of Commons may be shifting in ways yet unknown. In the past week he has said that a “spectrum” of opposition MPs might be possibly crossing the floor to join the Liberals ahead of the next session (which starts January 26) — that comes after seeing two Conservatives do just that in recent weeks and one Conservative MP leave politics altogether.
The greatest uncertainty for Carney and Canadians in 2026 is the economic stance of the United States. With his top cabinet ministers he has been inching his way forward with steps in various directions to deal with job loss and transition and by shoring up or enticing investment to various sectors of the economy.
Meanwhile, Carney keeps gently reminding Canadians that tough times lie ahead — that started with his surprisingly somber speech in October to university students and was gently included in his televised Christmas message today.
Carney has done various Christmas season year-end interviews with national media (being rebroadcast on Christmas Day), but released his own pre-recorded message one day ahead of the rebroadcasts.
“We are fortunate to be part of one extraordinary, generous, and caring nation,” said Carney in his brief 1-minute 30-second televised message that he opened with “happy holidays, Canada… in a more divided and uncertain world”. That reveals a gentle comparison to other countries which will be experiencing a changing global economy in the year ahead and beyond.
Two versions:
There are slight variations between the televised statement (also posted on social media) and the text version posted on the PMO’s website, so Island Social Trends has posted both (scroll down).
The televised version is slightly more personable and includes ideas for connecting with people who may be alone at Christmas. And for the word specialists among us, the spoken version shows some slightly improved diction choices over the next version.
The text version of Carney’s message begins with “in a fast-changing, more divided and uncertain world” while the message delivered by Carney to the camera starts with the slightly softer “Happy Holidays Canada” and drops the fast-changing part.
Perhaps that latter choice is a slight reminder that the shifts Canadians will undergo through economic transformation may not be or feel like they are fast.
The Prime Minister’s social media post in X had over 45,000 views by 11 pm PT this evening and over 3,600 likes.
The Prime Minister’s 2025 Christmas Message
TELEVISED VERSION (aired December 24, 2025)
“Happy Holidays Canada. In a more divided and uncertain world the holiday season is an opportunity to slow down, reflect and focus on what really matters. This is a season of joy for families, and I hope you find time to rest, reconnect and celebrate with the people that you love the most.
For Christians, Christmas holds a special meaning. It’s a time to celebrate the birth of Jesus, to rejoice in the light that he brings and to recommit to follow his example of service, forgiveness and generosity.
For Canadians of all traditions, the holiday s remind us that there can be hope after despair, that light follows darkness.
This is a time to remember those in need of comfort, those struggling to get by, those grieving a loved one — a time to help with a call, a visit or an act of kindness that reminds someone that they are not alone.
And although this year has brought more than its share of challenges to our country, we’ve also been reminded that we are fortunate to be part of one extraordinary, generous and caring nation.
That we’re strongest when we’re united, when we look out for each, when we take care of each other.
Merry Christmas, and Happy Holidays Canada, from my family to yours.”
Statement by Prime Minister Carney on Christmas
TEXT VERSION (on the Prime Minister’s website, December 24, 2025)
“In a fast-changing, more divided and uncertain world, the holiday season is an opportunity to slow down, reflect, and focus on what really matters.
This is a season of joy for families, and I hope that you find time to rest, reconnect, and celebrate with the people you love most.
For Christians, Christmas holds a special meaning. It is a time to celebrate the birth of Jesus, to rejoice in the light that he brings, and to recommit to following his example of service, forgiveness, and generosity.
The holidays remind Canadians of all traditions that there can be hope after despair, that light follows darkness.
Although this year has brought more than its share of challenges to our country, we have also been reminded that we are fortunate to be part of one extraordinary, generous, and caring nation.
We’re strongest when we are united, when we look out for each other, and when we take care of each other.
Merry Christmas, Canada, from my family to yours.”
===== RELATED:
- Liberals aim for majority in 2026 House of Commons (December 21, 2025)
- Carney’s sobering pre-budget speech delivered to university students (October 22, 2025)
- NEWS SECTIONS: 45th PARLIAMENT OF CANADA | LIBERAL PARTY OF CANADA | CHRISTMAS SEASON