Prime Minister Mark Carney has sparked significant political debate with his recent comments suggesting a departure from his predecessor's explicitly feminist foreign policy framework. The remarks, made during discussions about Canada's international approach, have raised questions about the future direction of Liberal foreign policy under new leadership.
Carney's Controversial Comments
During a statement on November 25, 2025, Carney made his position clear when he stated, "We have that aspect to our foreign policy, but I wouldn't describe our foreign policy as feminist foreign policy." He further elaborated that while gender equality remains important, issues like gender-based violence represent "an issue of justice" rather than being exclusively framed through feminist policy lenses.
The Prime Minister acknowledged that different countries prioritize gender equality differently, suggesting that Canada would focus on discussing "strategies and approaches" rather than maintaining the strict feminist policy label that characterized the Trudeau era.
Liberal Party Reaction and Internal Tensions
Carney's comments immediately generated concern within his own party. Liberal MP Karina Gould responded on Monday by emphasizing that "as Canadians, we expect that we're gonna stand up for gender equality around the world." She noted the deep commitment many party members have to the existing feminist foreign policy framework.
The policy in question includes the Feminist International Assistance Policy (FIAP), created in 2017 under former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. This comprehensive framework included six key pillars: gender equality, inclusive economic growth, climate action, and peace and security among others.
Historical Context and Political Strategy
Carney's shift echoes earlier approaches seen during Stephen Harper's Conservative government. While Harper focused specifically on maternal and child health care with a $3.5 billion commitment, he deliberately excluded abortion services from Canada's international assistance programs.
Harper defended this approach by noting that abortion remained controversial both in Canada and in many recipient countries, arguing that focusing on broader maternal health initiatives would achieve greater consensus and more effective use of taxpayer funds.
Political analysts suggest Carney's repositioning may represent a strategic attempt to appeal to Conservative voters dissatisfied with current Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre. By distancing himself from Trudeau's legacy ahead of Poilievre's January leadership review, Carney appears to be creating space for potential Conservative supporters to consider the Liberal party.
As Tasha Kheiriddin observed in her original analysis, Carney's position resembles "being half-pregnant" - unless he fully repudiates Trudeau's feminist foreign policy legacy, it will continue to influence and potentially constrain his government's international approach.
