Former Canadian PM Jean Chretien fires warning at US: ‘We bow to no one’

Former prime minister of Canada Jean Chretien delivered a pointed message to the United States during a speech marking the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks.

Speaking at a memorial event in Gander, Newfoundland and Labrador, Chretien told Americans: “Never mistake our generosity for weakness.”

“We embrace our friends, and we help them in their moment of need. But we bow to no one. And the more we are insulted and threatened and abused, the more we will stand up for ourselves and stand united,” he added.

Chretien, who was prime minister during the 2001 attacks, said he was speaking as a 92-year-old former leader and “very proud Canadian”, rather than on behalf of any government.

“I say that not in anger, but as one friend to another,” he said.

Gander became a symbol of Canada-US friendship after American airspace was closed on September 11, 2001.

Thirty-eight aircraft carrying nearly 7,000 stranded passengers landed in the town, where residents provided food and shelter.

Chretien’s remarks come amid a prolonged Canada-US trade war and repeated threats from US President Donald Trump against Canadian sovereignty.