Politics Insider: At Gander 9/11 ceremony, Chrétien says Canada’s generosity is a sign of strength

Politics Insider: At Gander 9/11 ceremony, Chrétien says Canada’s generosity is a sign of strength IAN BAILEY OTTAWA PUBLISHED 1 HOUR AGO COMMENTS SHARE SAVE FOR LATER Listen to this article Learn more about audio Log in or create a free account to listen to this article. Hello, welcome to Politics Insider. Let’s look at what happened this week. Open this photo in gallery: Former prime minister Jean Chrétien speaks during a ceremony in Gander, N.L. to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. PAUL DALY/THE CANADIAN PRESS Jean Chrétien, speaking in the Newfoundland town of Gander today to mark the 25th anniversary of 9/11, warned the United States not to underestimate Canada’s toughness. Chrétien’s remarks come amid unprecedented tensions between Canada and the United States after the collapse of trade talks between the two countries and constant remarks by President Donald Trump about Canada becoming the 51st state. “I have a message for our American friends. Yes, Canada is generous, open country, and Canadians are tolerant and kind, but never mistake our generosity for weakness,” the prime minister, when the events of Sept. 11 occurred, told a ceremony attended by a number of dignitaries, including Pete Hoekstra, the U.S. ambassador to Canada. “Never mistake our tolerance for lack of determination. And never, never mistake our kindness for softness.” Chrétien said Canada’s tradition of welcoming people from all over the world, and caring for each other is a sign of strength. Thirty-eight planes carrying more than 6,500 passengers were grounded in Gander after hijackers took command of four aircraft and crashed them into the World Trade Center in New York, the Pentagon in Washington and a field in Pennsylvania. Chrétien’s comments not only drew standing ovations from an audience that including Premier Tony Wakeham, but an embrace from the U.S. ambassador. “We embrace our friends and we help them in their moment of need, but we bow to no one. And the more we are insulted or threatened and abused, the more we will stand up for ourself and stand united. I say that, not in anger, but as one friend to another.” Earlier, Hoekstra said those who welcomed Americans during 9/11 were extraordinary people doing extraordinary things. Meanwhile, in Banff, Marieke Walsh reports that Prime Minister Mark Carney honoured the thousands of victims of the Sept. 11 terror attacks in a sombre statement, paying tribute to the everyday heroes who met…