International

Strengthening Transatlantic Liberalism in Canada

The former Chairman of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom and President of Liberal International Karl-Heinz Paqué led a delegation of European liberals to the convention of the Liberal Party of Canada to deepen exchange with their Canadian sister party. At a time of geopolitical upheaval, the visit aimed to strengthen transatlantic ties and advance cooperation among like-minded partners - echoing Mark Carney’s call in Davos for closer alignment among middle powers.

Read Karl-Heinz Paqué‘s speech at the Welcome Reception ahead of the party convention below:

Dear Members of Parliament, 
Ladies and Gentlemen, 
Chers députés,
Mesdames et Messieurs, 

It is a great pleasure to welcome you to this reception ahead of what promises to be an interesting party convention. 

C’est avec un grand plaisir que je vous invite à cette réception. 

I would very much like to continue in French, but I’m afraid that - despite my French-sounding last name - my French has become somewhat rusty. So please allow me to continue in English. 

First of all, let me thank my colleague in the Bureau of Liberal International, Art Eggleton, as well as the Director for North America of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation, Martin Biesel, for organizing this wonderful reception. 

The title of the reception is “Celebrating Liberalism in Europe and Canada” - and I can hardly think of a more fitting moment for that. At a time when our values are being challenged and the international order is under pressure, it is more important than ever that liberals on both sides of the Atlantic stand together and strengthen our ties. 

I am therefore addressing you today on behalf of a European delegation of liberals. We are here not only as friends, but as partners - keen to learn from our Canadian sister party about how to succeed in today’s increasingly polarized political environment. 

Let me begin by saying this: your party’s remarkable turnaround - from the rather bleak polls to the election victory last April - did not go unnoticed in Europe. It was more than a political comeback; it was a demonstration of what liberal politics can achieve when it is grounded in resilience, optimism, and a confident, inclusive patriotism. 

You have shown that when liberals speak with clarity, determination, and hope, voters listen - and they respond. Your success sends a powerful message across our political family: when we lead with our values, we can win at the ballot box. 

A second lesson we are eager to take home concerns the art of governing - in a liberal way and successfully. With Prime Minister Mark Carney’s victory last April, your party has consolidated more than a decade in power, building on the historic win of Justin Trudeau in 2015. 

What stands out is not only your longevity, but your adaptability: the ability to adjust course when needed, while remaining firmly anchored in liberal principles. Speaking as a German liberal whose party has twice been voted out of parliament after entering government, I can say with some humility that there is much for us to learn from your experience. 

Thirdly, in these turbulent geopolitical times, your leadership is helping to chart a path forward. In particular, Prime Minister Mark Carney’s speech in Davos resonated deeply with many of us. He gave voice to a concern that many liberals share: that the global order we once relied upon is gone. 

But importantly, he did not stop at diagnosis - he offered direction. One line, in particular, has stayed with me: “Middle powers must act together - because if we’re not at the table, we’re on the menu.”

That is why we came to Montreal - not only to learn, but to reach out. To say clearly: we are ready to work with you. Ready to strengthen the bonds between our parties. And ready to build a stronger alliance of liberal forces across the Atlantic. 

Because in a world of uncertainty, cooperation among liberals is not just desirable - we need it to survive. 

In that spirit let me wish you a nice reception and an inspiring convention!