If I had to sum up 2025 in one word, it would be exhausting.
Not the most inspiring message to open a new year, but I think most Canadians would agree: between the constant socioeconomic and political noise, shifting priorities, and global uncertainty, it felt like as a nation we were all carrying more than usual.
And just yesterday at the World Economic Forum, Prime Minister Mark Carney put words to what many of us have been sensing: the world is moving through a fundamental shift. The old rules and assumptions that once underpinned global stability are eroding, replaced by a tougher, more unpredictable landscape where ‘middle‑power’ countries like Canada can no longer rely on others to safeguard their interests. His message was clear—this is a moment for countries like ours to be honest about the realities we face, strengthen our strategic autonomy, and act deliberately to protect the values and systems that matter most to us.
For all the fatigue, 2025 was also deeply meaningful, with real highlights. We saw a renewed sense of unity and national pride as Canadians faced threats and challenges head‑on. Alongside that came a real focus on innovation and collaboration across the country.
At Interac, it was the first year of our three-year strategy, and we delivered. We grew the existing business while pushing forward on a bold plan to expand our products and lines of business. For me personally, it was a year of building—solidifying my leadership team, welcoming new voices around the table, and watching a group of people truly start to gel.
So yes, 2025 was exhausting. But it was also clarifying. It reminded us what matters. It forced us to pay attention. And in many ways, it helped us find our footing again.
As we enter 2026, it’s time to turn that momentum into execution.
Last year saw plenty of talk—innovation, resilience, productivity, competitiveness. Those conversations surfaced hard truths and overdue priorities. But this year has to be about moving from conversation to delivery. It’s time to get going.
In my world, that shows up in very real ways: open banking, digital assets, fraud prevention, new regulatory frameworks. The budget has passed. The direction is set. Now it’s about execution. Not waiting for perfect conditions or complete clarity—but putting shovels in the ground and ‘boots on the ice’. The work won’t be done in a year, but 2026 must be the year we take it seriously, invest accordingly, and deliver.
The other theme that carried through 2025—and will only intensify this year—is sovereignty. As global politics shift, it’s becoming clear that Canada cannot afford to be passive about the systems that underpin our security and independence. Digital infrastructure, energy, manufacturing, data, financial services—these are now strategic assets. We cannot assume they will simply be there for us when we need them. We must take responsibility for the foundations that allow us to act independently as a nation.
All of which leads me to values. When the world feels steady, it’s easy to default to convenience—to pick what’s cheapest, fastest, or most familiar. But moments of uncertainty force us to ask different questions: What actually matters? What do our choices say about who we are? I’ve been thinking more about how my own decisions reflect not only my personal values, but the Canadian values admired globally—fairness, responsibility, and community. And I’m not alone. Over the past year, Canadians have made thoughtful choices when it counts: choosing to buy Canadian, choosing Interac Debit or e‑Transfer instead of credit, choosing how and where they travel.
These decisions may seem small, but together they reflect who we are as a country: people who look out for one another, who act with integrity, and who understand that individual choices, multiplied across millions, shape the nation we continue to build. That’s something I hope we carry proudly into 2026.
If 2025 taught me anything, it’s that there’s nothing like a bit of a crisis to remind us how lucky we are as Canadians. We live in a country that people around the world still aspire to call home. There’s work to do—a lot of it. But there’s also momentum. There’s talent. And there’s a renewed sense among Canadians of what’s at stake and what’s possible.
And if Carney’s message in Davos reminded us of anything, it’s that even in a world facing real rupture, countries like Canada have the power to shape what comes next. We’re not bystanders to global change—we’re contributors, innovators, and bridge‑builders. That’s something to feel energized by.
As we roll into 2026, my hope is that we carry that confidence with us: the belief that with clarity, commitment, and a bit of Canadian stubborn optimism, we can navigate whatever comes our way and help build the stronger, more resilient future Carney challenged us to imagine.
If I could hope for one word to describe Canada’s story in 2026, it would be energized. Lets go Canada
