Prime Minister Mark Carney offered a candid look at a turbulent year and outlined his government's path forward during a series of year-end television interviews in Quebec this week. Speaking with prominent anchors Paul Larocque on LCN and Patrice Roy on Radio-Canada on Tuesday, December 17, 2025, Carney tackled a wide range of pressing issues, from internal party dynamics to his personal challenges with bilingualism.
Steven Guilbeault to Remain in Liberal Caucus
One of the most pointed questions directed at the Prime Minister concerned the future of Steven Guilbeault, the former environment minister who resigned from cabinet. Guilbeault stepped down in protest over a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed with Alberta, which he views as a rollback of climate policies he championed.
Despite this public rift and ongoing criticism from Guilbeault, Carney made it clear he has no intention of ejecting the MP from the Liberal caucus. "We have some differences, but we have the same values, Mr. Guilbeault and I, the other members of the Liberal Party at the federal level, in terms of the environment and the prosperity of Canada," Carney told Paul Larocque.
When pressed directly on whether Guilbeault could stay, Carney responded, "absolutely, he can continue." The Prime Minister expressed significant "esteem" for his former colleague, acknowledging that "he has done a lot for Canada and for the party."
Prime Minister's Commitment to Improving His French
Language proficiency, a perennial topic for anglophone leaders in federal politics, was another focus. Carney openly admitted that his command of French requires work, stating plainly to LCN, "What is clear is that my French is far from perfect."
He revealed that his previous private tutor had moved to British Columbia, forcing him to seek a new instructor. To practice, Carney relies on conversations with francophone members of his inner circle, including Chief of Staff Marc-André Blanchard and senior ministers like Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne and Industry Minister Mélanie Joly.
Broader Political Landscape and Future Plans
The wide-ranging interviews also touched on Canada's critical relationship with the United States under President Donald Trump and the state of international trade talks. Carney provided insights into his government's strategic priorities as it looks ahead to 2026.
Significantly, the Prime Minister addressed speculation about the potential for an early election, offering clarity on his intentions not to plunge the country into another campaign in the coming year. This statement provides a measure of political stability after a period Carney himself described as tumultuous for both his leadership and the nation.
The discussions, aired across Quebec, served as a key year-end communication effort, allowing Carney to directly address Quebec audiences on matters of national unity, environmental policy, and his personal commitment to engaging with the province in its official language.
