Prime Minister Mark Carney has officially declared the end of Canada's feminist foreign policy era, marking another significant departure from the Justin Trudeau government's approach to international relations.
G20 Announcement Signals Policy Shift
During a Sunday afternoon news conference in Johannesburg before departing the G20 leaders' summit, Carney made his position clear when questioned about changes in Canada's approach to gender-based issues in foreign policy. The Prime Minister stated unequivocally that he would not characterize Canadian foreign policy as feminist foreign policy, effectively drawing a line under one of Trudeau's signature international policy positions.
"Yes, we have that aspect to our foreign policy, but I wouldn't describe Canadian foreign policy as 'feminist foreign policy,'" Carney told reporters on November 24, 2025. He acknowledged that while gender equality remains a concern, his government views it differently from his predecessor.
Continuation of Trudeau Policy Reversals
This foreign policy shift represents the latest in a series of moves by the Carney Liberals to distance themselves from Trudeau-era policies. The government has been systematically reversing what it considers controversial aspects of the previous administration's decade in power.
Among the most notable reversals was the early elimination of the consumer carbon tax, which had been a cornerstone of Trudeau's environmental agenda. The feminist foreign policy abandonment follows this pattern of policy overhaul that began almost immediately after Carney took office.
Trudeau had famously embedded gender equality and feminist principles throughout his policy framework, most visibly when he appointed Canada's first gender-balanced cabinet in 2015. When questioned about this decision at the time, Trudeau famously responded "because it's 2015", making international headlines and establishing his feminist credentials.
Carney's Nuanced Approach to Gender Equality
While distancing Canada from the feminist foreign policy label, Carney emphasized that work on gender-based issues continues to be important. He specifically recognized the challenges that persist both internationally and within Canada itself.
"The work on gender-based violence, the work on female equality is one of the priorities of the South African presidency of the G20," Carney noted during his Johannesburg remarks. He stressed that gender equality work remains "ongoing" despite the change in terminology and approach.
The Prime Minister highlighted the value of international forums like the G20 for addressing issues that affect all nations, including Canada. However, his comments made clear that the Trudeau-era emphasis on feminist branding in foreign policy has come to an end.
This policy shift occurs against the backdrop of Carney's busy international travel schedule, with the Prime Minister having recently departed for additional overseas trips including visits to the UAE and South Africa. The foreign policy evolution appears to be part of a broader recalibration of Canada's international positioning under new leadership.
