Hub Podcasts Carney's China test
Jan 14, 2026
Join David Coletto, founder of Abacus Data, and Amanda Galbraith, co-founder of Oyster Group, as they dive into Prime Minister Mark Carney's strategic visit to China. They discuss balancing Canada–U.S. relations amidst public distrust of China and trade opportunities. The pair also tackles the upcoming AI strategy, questioning the government's capacity to implement effective policies while navigating public awareness and industry needs. Transparency in AI serves as an essential starting point for political engagement.
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Episode notes
Pragmatic Distrust Shapes Canada’s China View
- Canadians distrust China but pragmatically want new markets and will tolerate engagement.
- Rising distrust of the U.S. makes China seem comparatively acceptable for economic diversification.
Reset Attempts Collide With Hard Realities
- Canadian leaders repeatedly try to reset relations but confront harder realities over time.
- Neither deep alignment with the U.S. nor China is politically risk-free, leaving limited alternatives.
Canada’s Geopolitical Middle Position
- Canada sits between the U.S. and China and risks displeasing both if it leans toward one.
- Mark Carney appears to pursue a broad 'have-it-all' strategy across pipelines, China deals, and U.S. relations.