Prime Minister Mark Carney delivered a state of the nation speech Thursday, urging Canadians to pull together to confront the economic challenges ahead while lauding the country as a beacon to a world increasingly tilted toward authoritarianism.

Before meeting with his federal cabinet to plan for Monday’s return of Parliament, Mr. Carney offered a short history of the country’s progress and his hopes for the future.

He issued a call for national unity in the face of global threats but made no mention of the possible sovereignty referendums in Alberta and Quebec.

“When we are united, unity grows. When we are Canadian – inclusive, fair, ambitious – Canada grows,” he said.