Convening for the first time since Prime Minister Mark Carney led his party to election victory in 2025, 4,500 Canadian liberals came together in Montreal over the weekend for the Liberal Party of Canada’s bi-annual convention – a Liberal International led by LI President Karl-Heinz Paque joined them.

Amidst one of the largest LPC conventions in the party’s history, the LI delegation convened a reception hosted by LI cooperating organisation the Friedrich Nauman Foundation for Freedom North America for LPC members and parliamentarians on the convention opening night. An agenda packed with high-level political meetings the visiting liberals met with senior cabinet members and reaffirmed their common geopolitical goals and objectives from streamlining trade agreements to support for Ukraine following Russia’s full-scale invasion.

With the support of LI Vice President Sen. Art Eggleton, the group – which included liberals from the RENEW Group in European Parliament and ALDE Party – met with senior cabinet officials and caucus members alike. With Minister of Economy, François-Philippe Champagne the delegation held constructive and frank discussions about the large number of trade deals signed by the new Canadian government and the steps European Union could take to speed up agreements that would enrich both sides of the Atlantic. Minister of Foreign Affairs, Anita Anand emphasised the importance of mutual support for Ukraine amongst like-minded allies while Minister of AI, Evan Solomon showcased the progressive opportunities for growth that artifical intelligence offers governments and businesses while dispelling myths about the technology.

Building on his now famous Davos speech, Prime Minister Mark Carney opened his intervention on international affairs with a warning: “hope is not a plan and nostalgia is not a strategy” in reference to the fructuous international order and the responsibility of the world’s like-minded middle powers in uniting to preserve international peace, security, and trade. Through his 35 minute address, he spoke of his vision for navigating the global crises Canada faces today, made bold policies for diversifying procurement and investing in his country’s future at home and on the world stage.

Liberal International is grateful to Vice President Art Eggleton and the Canadian Group of Liberal International and our partners FNF North America for their support and leadership in organising the international delegation’s visit.