Speaking in Gander, Newfoundland—a town that welcomed thousands of air travelers diverted after the September 11 attacks—former Canadian prime minister Jean Chrétien marked the 25th anniversary on Friday with a pointed message for the United States: “Never mistake our generosity for weakness.”
The 92‑year‑old former leader, who served as prime minister during the 2001 attacks, received a standing ovation after telling his “American friends” that Canadians may be tolerant and kind but “we bow to no one.” U.S. Ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra then rose and embraced him.
“I say this not in anger, but as one friend to another,” Chrétien said. “Friends need to be honest with each other.”
The unusually blunt remarks were delivered during a solemn ceremony honouring the nearly 3,000 victims killed in New York, the Pentagon, and aboard Flight 93, while also remembering Gander’s extraordinary response to the attacks.
Gander, Newfoundland, opened its arms to nearly 6,600 airline passengers diverted there when the U.S. government shut down airspace on September 11.
The remarks came at a striking moment in Canada‑U.S. relations. The long‑time allies are embroiled in a trade dispute under President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly suggested Canada could become the 51st U.S. state.
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