Chrétien Warns U.S. at Gander 9/11 Ceremony

At a 25th-anniversary commemoration of the Sept. 11 attacks in Gander, Newfoundland, former Prime Minister Jean Chrétien urged the United States not to mistake Canada’s generosity, tolerance and kindness for weakness or softness. His remarks came amid strained Canada-U.S. relations, including President Donald Trump’s repeated comments about Canada becoming the 51st state and tensions over trade. Gander sheltered nearly 6,600 passengers from 38 diverted planes after the United States closed its airspace in 2001, with residents providing food, lodging and other support. Despite controversy over U.S. Ambassador Pete Hoekstra’s attendance and his past advocacy for Canada becoming the 51st state, the town welcomed him, and he thanked Canadians for their response before embracing Chrétien. The ceremony emphasized that Gander’s 9/11 story was about humanitarian solidarity rather than current political disputes.