Canada has a new government.

Mark Carney and the Liberals. They came agonizingly close to a majority government, with a couple of seats still uncertain as this column was written. That must not delay or weaken actions by the new government as the threat of tariffs and trade wars loom.

In the face of the insults and bullying by the current President of the United States, Canada requires strength, smarts and courage.

In Parliament, it is time to leave traditional petty party politics behind, unify on this national threat, and focus on building a great nation. All parties should rally behind this existential threat to our sovereignty.

Canada is entering a new era of economic and fiscal change. Municipalities should be important strategic partners in this new economic alliance. That means improving municipal operations, updating policies, and investing in infrastructure. Many Canadian municipalities are looking hard at their own procurement policies. They are reducing city hall red tape. They are speeding development approvals. It is not business as usual.

There is a renewed appetite for finally—finally!—resolving some of Canada's productivity and economic problems. The ridiculous interprovincial tariffs, and not recognizing other province's professional and commercial standards, are being openly addressed, led by Ontario Premier Doug Ford. The provinces of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Newfoundland/Labrador are already stepping up to that plate. The others should follow—quickly. It is not business as usual. Get over your traditional protectionist whining.

The boost to Canada's GDP through barrier-free Canadian trade will be several points. That would be useful if the economy has a bit of a slide in the next year.

Election night had several surprises to Canadians—and the foreign media. Mark Carney's election as Prime Minister was front page news in the US and around the world. Some commentators see it as the first crack in the Trump-style political system that has dominated the globe recently.

For Canadian municipalities, there is an urgent need to see a stable Parliament and a federal government committed to a strong partnership with our 4,000 towns and cities. Mayors and electors will have no patience with political grandstanding or gamesmanship in Parliament. The past couple of years were a disgrace. The stakes now are too high for political pettiness.

This is, remains, and will always be, a proud country. We celebrate our international accomplishments. We offer a rich diversity of culture and opportunity. Canada is filled with wonderful people who want to work hard, be productive, get ahead, contribute to their community, and enjoy life with their family safely and happily.

We are not for sale. We are not being annexed. We are proud and will face whatever challenges are thrown at us.

Canada is strong. We are resilient. We are smart.

The new federal government must reflect that strength, and our determination and conviction. When they need our help, we should offer it. When they deserve applause, we should give it. When they need a little kick in the butt, we should provide it. When they need support, we should be there.

It will not be easy. Nobody goes into politics expecting a cakewalk. But these current challenges are particularly difficult for our country. Regardless of political persuasion, our six levels of government need to work together without rancor or hesitation.

Good luck to Prime Minister Carney. The Canadian people have called—now it is up to your government to respond.

You can count on your municipalities to be strong partners.