Prime Minister Mark Carney Pays Tribute to 9/11 Victims

By: Ebenezer Adugyamfi/ Emmanuel Ayiku for GhanaianNewsCanada

September 11, 2026

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has paid tribute to the victims of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, saying Canada stands with the United States in remembrance as the two nations mark the tragedy’s 25th anniversary.

In a statement released on Patriot Day, Carney honoured the nearly 3,000 people who lost their lives, including 24 Canadians, and reflected on the extraordinary compassion Canadians showed when thousands of stranded airline passengers were diverted to Canada after US airspace was closed.

“We will never forget”

Carney said September 11 remains one of the darkest days in modern history, describing it as a moment that forever changed North America and the wider world.

He noted that Canadians responded not only with grief, but with generosity, opening their homes and communities to travellers who suddenly found themselves unable to return to the United States.

The prime minister said the anniversary is both a day of remembrance and a reminder of the importance of service, compassion and solidarity during times of crisis.

The legacy of Gander

One of the defining stories of 9/11 came from the small town of Gander, Newfoundland and Labrador, where nearly 7,000 airline passengers were unexpectedly stranded after dozens of international flights were diverted to Canada.

Residents welcomed complete strangers into their homes, schools and community centres, providing food, shelter and comfort during the emergency. The remarkable response later inspired books, documentaries and the award-winning Broadway musical Come From Away.

Carney described Gander’s response as an enduring symbol of Canadian kindness and friendship toward its American neighbours.

https://x.com/MarkJCarney/status/2098403029531713760?s=20

North America pauses to remember

Across the United States, memorial ceremonies were held at Ground Zero in New York City, the Pentagon in Virginia and the Flight 93 National Memorial in Pennsylvania to honour the victims of the coordinated terrorist attacks.

At the National September 11 Memorial, families read the names of those who died, while moments of silence marked each of the attacks. This year’s ceremony also included a seventh moment of silence to honour first responders and survivors who later died from illnesses linked to toxic exposure at Ground Zero.

A shared promise of remembrance

Carney said the 25th anniversary is an opportunity for Canadians and Americans alike to renew the solemn promise to “Never Forget.” He encouraged people to remember not only those who were lost, but also the courage of first responders, volunteers and ordinary citizens whose acts of humanity helped countless lives in the aftermath of the attacks.

Twenty-five years later, the legacy of 9/11 continues to shape North American history, serving as a powerful reminder of resilience, unity and the enduring bond between Canada and the United States.