Jean Chrétien says 'we bow to no one' in fiery 9/11 speech in Gander, N.L.

Former Canadian prime minister Jean Chrétien drew thunderous applause on Friday during a fiery and patriotic speech in Gander, N.L, where many had gathered at a sports arena to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks

'Never mistake our kindness for softness,' former PM says

CBC News

· Posted: Sep 11, 2026 3:57 PM EDT | Last Updated: 14 minutes ago

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'Never mistake our generosity for weakness,' Chrétien says at 9/11 memorial

1 hour ago|

Duration 13:09

Former prime minister Jean Chrétien had a message for 'our American friends' while speaking in Gander, N.L., at the 25-year commemoration of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. 'Canadians are tolerant and kind,' said Chrétien at the event, which was attended by U.S. Ambassador Pete Hoekstra. '[But] never mistake our tolerance for lack of determination. And never, never mistake our kindness for softness.'

Former Canadian prime minister Jean Chrétien drew thunderous applause on Friday during a fiery and patriotic speech in Gander, N.L., where many had gathered at a sports arena to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, and the legendary humanitarian response as thousands of stranded air travellers had their flights diverted to more than a dozen Canadian airports.

Chrétien was the final speaker during a lengthy and nationally televised event. He began his speech by describing Sept. 11, 2001 "like a nightmare … one that can never be erased." And then recounted how Canadians stepped up, fought side-by-side with U.S. troops in Afghanistan — which drew loud applause.

But then, Chrétien's became the first person to speak on a subject no one else who stepped to the microphone would: the fractured political relationship between Canada and the United States.

"We bow to no one," Chrétien said to an audience that included Pete Hoesktra, the U.S. ambassador to Canada.

"And the more we are insulted or threatened and abused, the more we will stand up for ourselves and stand united."

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It was a powerful moment in an two-hour event filled with stories of remembrance, honour and sacrifice.

Trade war ongoing

U.S. President Donald Trump initiated a trade war with Canada, and has hurled insults at Prime Minister Mark Carney. Trump has also threatened Canada’s sovereignty by expressing his desire to make Canada’s the 51st U.S. state.

Hoesktra has amplified the rhetoric through his own public comments and by sharing Trump’s social media posts.

Hoesktra avoided the issue of trade and tariffs during his visit to Gander, and praised the longstanding partnership between the two countries. He offered thanks for the kindness and compassion shown to thousands of stranded American travellers in the wake of the terrorist attacks.

"This is to say one more time, thank you," he said, when asked about his visit to the central Newfoundland town. "We’ll get back to the economic issues from, at least our standpoint, when we get past 9/11."

Chrétien, 92, described the U.S. as a "neighbour and our closest friend," and said a massive rally in Ottawa in the days after the 9/11 attacks was "one of the most emotional moments of my life."

Chrétien’s government initiated the process in 2001 to invoke the so-called Article 5, which stipulates that an attack on one member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) is an attack on all members.

Chrétien also ordered Canadian troops into battle in Afghanistan, fighting alongside U.S. allies, and 158 of those soldiers were killed, including 13 from Newfoundland and Labrador.

"Our friends were hurt, and we were hurting with them," Chrétien said. "I was proud of how we stepped up."

He described the response to 9/11 as "the Canadian way."

But 25 years later, the world has changed, and Canada’s relationship with its powerful southern neighbour has also grown more distant.

So Chrétien concluded his speech — which received no less than three standing ovations — with a strong message "to our American friends."

He said Canada is an open, generous country, and the response to 9/11 in communities such as Gander is an example of this. But he said Canada’s generosity should not be mistaken for weakness.

"Never mistake our tolerance for lack of determination. And never mistake our kindness for softness. We know who we are and we are proud of it," he said.

Chrétien said building a country like Canada, welcoming people from around the globe, and caring for the weakest, "is a sign of strength."

Chrétien said his "honest" message was "from one friend to another," and he called on the U.S. to "respect the friendship" and "be a good neighbour."

He concluded with the following words in French: "Long live the United States and long live Canada."