Share this Story : National Post Copy Link Email X Reddit Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr

Kelly McParland: Carney didn't go to Saudi Arabia to hold up Canada as a moral arbiter

The prime minister moves past finger wagging

You can save this article by registering for free here. Or sign-in if you have an account.

Mark Carney has a finger issue.

Enjoy the latest local, national and international news.

Exclusive articles by Conrad Black, Barbara Kay and others. Plus, special edition NP Platformed and First Reading newsletters and virtual events.

Unlimited online access to National Post.

National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.

Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.

Support local journalism.

Enjoy the latest local, national and international news.

Exclusive articles by Conrad Black, Barbara Kay and others. Plus, special edition NP Platformed and First Reading newsletters and virtual events.

Unlimited online access to National Post.

National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.

Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword.

Support local journalism.

Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.

Access articles from across Canada with one account.

Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.

Enjoy additional articles per month.

Get email updates from your favourite authors.

Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.

Access articles from across Canada with one account

Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments

Enjoy additional articles per month

Get email updates from your favourite authors

Sign In or Create an Account

Kelly McParland: Carney didn't go to Saudi Arabia to hold up Canada as a moral arbiter Back to video

In the many images of the ever-travelling prime minister, there are few if any depicting him wagging a righteous digit at his hosts as he lectures them on their failure to live up to Canadian moral and behavioural standards.

When the Carney aircraft touched down in Saudi Arabia last week, he noted he was the first prime minister in 26 years to visit one of the world’s most crucial energy suppliers, investment money-pots and western-friendly regional political powers. That’s because previous leaders were careful to be seen disapproving of official Saudi views, habits and activities.

There was much to disapprove of. Riyadh’s treatment of women was medieval at best. The right to drive a car, hold a bank account, get a job or apply for a passport without the consent of a male “guardian” was considered too dangerous and revolutionary to be considered by the country’s all-male rulers. Saudis guilty of holding opinions displeasing to the government — which consisted of a swollen pack of privileged princelings whose great achievement in life was to be born into the ruling clan — were routinely jailed, beaten or mysteriously ended up dead. In the most notorious episode,........

© National Post