After delivering a speech on the world stage warning about the dangers of an increasingly fractured world order, Prime Minister Mark Carney made another address, this time narrowing in on separatist sentiment at home.

He delivered the speech on the Plains of Abraham, the site of the 1759 battle that brought Quebec under British rule.

Carney spoke of the resilience of Francophones, and how it led to a country where different people came together to build.

“The Plains of Abraham symbolize the battle field, but also the place where Canada picked adaptation over assimilation, partnership over domination, and collaboration over division,” he said.

He acknowledges the foundation was imperfect, and relied on the dispossession of Indigenous peoples.

But he goes on to talk about strength in diversity, and the importance of common values on a number of fronts, including AI, human rights, healthcare, equality and justice.

“In a time of rising populism and ethnic nationalism, Canada can show how diversity can be a strength, not a weakness,” he said, echoing his earlier Davos speech about middle powers navigating a rapidly changing world.

To end his cabinet retreat speech, Carney returned to the most pivotal battle of the Seven Years War.

“Two hundred and sixty-seven years ago, this ground was soaked with blood. Two empires had collided. One had prevailed. What would come next?”

“The answer that emerged — slowly, imperfectly, not without struggle, but unmistakably— cooperation. Partnership. A shared future.”

The Liberal cabinet retreat is a two day planning forum ahead of Parliament’s return next week.

Topics on the agenda include the economy, affordability and security. Ministers are also expected to share updates on their mandates.

Quebec politics are currently in a state of significant upheaval, with the sudden resignation of Premier François Legault and his righthand, Geneviève Guilbeault.

His party, the Coalition Avenir Quebec, has been in power for seven years, but has been trailing heavily in the polls.

Its rival, the separatist Parti Quebecois, is emerging as a front runner in the upcoming provincial election.

Its leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon promises to hold a third referendum on Quebec sovereignty if elected.