Chrétien Marks 9/11 Anniversary in Gander With Blunt Message to US

Former Canadian prime minister Jean Chrétien marked the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks in Gander, Newfoundland on Friday, delivering an unusually direct message to the United States: "Never mistake our generosity for weakness."

Chrétien, 92, who led Canada at the time of the attacks, received a standing ovation after telling his "American friends" that Canadians may be tolerant and kind but "we bow to no one." US Ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra rose and hugged him afterward.

"I say that not in anger, but as one friend to another," Chrétien said. "Friends need to be honest with each other."

The ceremony honoured the nearly 3,000 people killed in New York, at the Pentagon and aboard Flight 93, and recalled Gander's response when US airspace was shut down. Thirty-eight planes carrying more than 6,500 passengers and crew were diverted to the small Newfoundland town, nearly doubling its population. Residents turned schools, churches and meeting halls into shelters, provided food and medicine, and took strangers into their homes. The stranded travellers became known locally as the "plane people."

"They also opened their hearts," Chrétien said. "Because that is what I call the Canadian way. When our friends are in trouble, we don't hesitate. We act."

Hoekstra also drew applause as he thanked Gander and Canada for standing with Americans then and since. "Thank you to the people of Gander. Thank you for your friendship," he said, describing those who responded 25 years ago as "extraordinary people doing extraordinary things." His participation had drawn controversy, and Gander officials defended inviting him, saying his attendance did not amount to an endorsement of the Trump administration. "September 11 is bigger than politics, personalities or titles," the town said.

The story of Gander inspired the Broadway musical "Come From Away," and passengers and residents have continued returning for reunions.

The remarks came amid strained Canada-US relations. The allies are embroiled in a trade war under US President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly talked about making Canada the 51st US state. Prime Minister Mark Carney used a campaign stop in Gander last year to say Canada was mourning "a friendship lost." Trade negotiations collapsed last month after Carney rejected terms he said threatened Canadian sovereignty and key industries; Washington imposed steep new tariffs, Canada retaliated this week, and the Trump administration responded with additional restrictions on Canadian goods and access to US government contracts.

Against that backdrop, Chrétien said Canada's willingness to help should not be misread. "Never mistake our tolerance for lack of determination," he said. "And never, never mistake our kindness for softness." He added that building a country with Canada's climate and geography was "a sign of toughness, not of weakness."

He recalled Canadians and Americans fighting together in Afghanistan after the attacks, noting that 165 Canadians died there, including 158 members of the Canadian Armed Forces. "We embrace our friends and we help them in their moment of need, but we bow to no one," he said. "And the more we are insulted, threatened and abused, the more we will stand up for ourselves and stand united."

Hoekstra, whose parents were liberated in the Netherlands by Allied forces that included Canadians during World War II, also invoked the countries' history of shared sacrifice. "We stood side by side," he said.

Chrétien closed by calling for the friendship's restoration on terms Canada could accept. "Respect, friendship and good neighbors," he said. "Long live the United States and long live Canada."