The Canadian Prime Minister has shared how he is inspired by the life and work of Major General Sir Isaac Brock – who died nearly 214 years ago.
During an address to the Canadian nation on Sunday, which was seen by an estimated one eighth of the country’s 41 million population, Mark Carney held a small statuette of Sir Isaac and described who he was and what he stood for.
Prime Minister Carney used his ‘Forward Guidance’ address to share his thoughts on the future of his country, including commentary on current world politics and how Canada and Canadians can work together to combat the challenges they currently face.
“The US has fundamentally changed its approach to trade, raising its tariffs to levels last seen during the Great Depression,” he said. “Many of our former strengths, based on our close ties to America, have become our weaknesses, weaknesses that we must correct.”
Prime Minister Carney went on to say that Canada must respond to how the US has changed.
“Canada strong is our plan to build Canada by Canadians for Canadians. We’ll attract new investment so we can build more for ourselves, striking new partnerships abroad so we can sell into new markets. It’s about taking back control of our security, our borders and our future.”
He cautioned that “hope isn’t a plan, and nostalgia is not a strategy” but he insisted Canada must act now.
Despite that, Mr Carney referenced Canada’s history, and the impact of Guernsey born Isaac Brock – who went on to become a military hero.
Mr Carney said that every morning he sees the small statuette of Sir Isaac which he keeps in his office.
He was given it by Canadian comedian and actor Mike Myers last year.
“Brock was a hero who fought and gave his life for our forebearers in the War of 1812, before Canada even existed on paper, it had a shape in Brock’s imagination,” said Mr Carney.
“Faced with the threat of an American invasion, Brock built alliances across our land and inspired what would eventually become Canada. Others carry that effort forward, people like General de Salaberry, citizens like the Voltigeurs, who defended Chateauguay, and indigenous heroes such as Chief Tecumseh, united indigenous nations across the Great Lakes to resist US expansion and protect their lands.
“They battled together against a common foe, and by doing so, they made our life today possible.
“This statue of General Brock that I see every morning in the Prime Minister’s office reminds me that when we’re united as Canadians, we can withstand anything.”
Major General Sir Isaac Brock was born in Guernsey in October 1769.
The Guernsey-man came from an English family who had been established in the island since the sixteenth century.
Young Isaac was considered to be a clever student, and a good swimmer and boxer and he was sent to Southampton and later Europe to study.
After joining the British Army, he rose through the ranks and was stationed around the world, before landing in Canada, where he came to be seen as a hero for his role in the defence of Upper Canada against the threat of an American invasion.
During the War of 1812, Major-General Brock led the British Army and Indigenous warriors in the defence of Fort Detroit in August 1812, leading to the surrender of the fort and town by American forces.
He died in October 1812 at the Battle of Queenston Heights with the news of him being awarded a Knighthood arriving after his death.
His heroic nature and achievements have lasted since his death at age 43 with a monument to him built at Queenston Heights, overlooking his death site.
Numerous streets, schools, and organisations are named after him, including a university which until recently the States of Guernsey funded an annual scholarship for a Bailiwick student to attend.