Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney calls for middle powers to unite in address to Australia’s Parliament

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has called for middle powers to unite amid an increasingly fractured world order in a highly-anticipated address to Australia’s Parliament.

His speech marks the first by a Canadian leader in almost two decades and comes during a three-day trip to Australia to shore up the two countries’ trade alliance, investments and to deepen defence ties.

Mr Carney addressed the Lowy Institute in Sydney on Wednesday night where he warned that middle powers like Australia and Canada should band together and called for nations to strengthen their sovereignty.

He highlighted the ongoing Middle East conflict in the wake of the US-Israel strikes on Iran, which has disrupted the global economy, as a clear example of why sovereignty was vital.

The Canadian leader told parliamentarians on Thursday that amid a world engulfed by “great power rivalry”, middle powers have a choice “compete for favour or combine for strength”.

“In the new global environment, the ability to form effective coalitions is becoming a central strategic capability,” he said.

“The question for middle powers like us is whether we establish the conventions and write the new rules that will determine our security and prosperity or let the hegemons increasingly dictate outcomes?

“The world will always be shaped by great powers. But it can also be shaped by middle powers that trust each other enough to act with speed and purpose.”

Mr Carney acknowledged the last Canadian leader to address the Federal parliament, which was Stephen Harper during the former Howard government, insisting the world had dramatically changed since that “era”.

“While much has changed since then, these qualities endure, as does the friendship between our Nations,” Mr Carney said, labelling the nations “strategic cousins”.

He said Australia and Canada shared several mutual strategic interests which he encouraged them to work together on, including their unique position on critical minerals.

“Together, we produce 34 per cent of global lithium, 32pc of uranium supply, 41pc of iron ore, and a combined $25 billion war chest to fast-track projects,” he said.

“Globally, we are number one and number two as the most attractive mining investment jurisdictions in the world.”

Critical minerals — vital for tech and defence assets — have been an increasingly hot topic after world dominant China tightened its export rules on them which angered US President Donald Trump.

Mr Carney also highlighted defence capabilities, artificial intelligence and capital as other areas where both nations could work together in their best interest.

Among those in the gallery watching his address was former Liberal Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull, Australian Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett, Minerals Council of Australia chief executive Tania Constable and Business Council of Australia boss Bran Black.

Mr Carney also gave a personal shout out to Australian firefighters who travel to Northern America in a long-running exchange which helps each country during their fire seasons.

The foreign leader was welcomed to Parliament with an official gun salute before signing the official visitors’ book, which was watched by school children, staffers, politicians, and members of the media.

Both Mr Carney and Mr Albanese then shook hands and shared selfies with visiting students from St Pius X College in Sydney.