Ex-Canada PM Jean Chretien tells US: ‘never mistake our generosity for weakness’

His pointed message was issued in Gander, the Canadian town that sheltered thousands of stranded Americans after the September 11 attacks

Standing in the town that sheltered thousands of stranded Americans after the September 11 attacks, former Canadian prime minister Jean Chretien marked the 25th anniversary on Friday with a pointed message for the US: “Never mistake our generosity for weakness.”

The 92-year-old former leader, who was prime minister at the time of the attacks, drew a standing ovation after telling his “American friends” that Canadians may be tolerant and kind but “we bow to no one”. US Ambassador to Canada Pete Hoekstra rose afterwards and hugged him.

“I say that not in anger, but as one friend to another,” Chretien said. “Friends need to be honest with each other.”

The unusually blunt remarks came during a solemn ceremony honouring the nearly 3,000 people killed in New York, at the Pentagon and aboard Flight 93, and remembering Gander’s extraordinary response to the attacks.

Gander, Newfoundland, opened its arms to nearly 6,600 airline passengers diverted there when the US government shut down airspace during September 11.

The remarks came at a striking moment in Canada-US relations. The long-time allies are embroiled in a trade war under US President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly talked about making Canada the 51st US state.