"What Canada has to do is to have a government connected to the priorities of the people of which it is elected to serve. Those priorities include ensuring medicare is sustainable, support for the military, and tax and justice systems that work"

Peter MacKay emphasizes the critical relationship between a government and its citizens, arguing that effective governance depends on understanding and addressing the genuine priorities of the public. He sees the primary duty of elected officials as responsive stewardship, ensuring that the state's actions align with the needs and aspirations of those they represent. There is an implicit recognition here of the democratic principle that legitimacy rests on the consent and engagement of the people, and that disconnect between government and electorate undermines both trust and efficacy.

MacKay identifies a number of key policy areas that, in his view, command widespread concern and demand focused attention. First, he highlights the sustainability of medicare, a core aspect of Canadian identity and social policy. The use of the word "sustainable" underscores anxieties about rising costs, aging populations, and system strain, making it clear that preserving access to quality healthcare is not just a financial or administrative challenge but a moral and societal responsibility for any Canadian government.

He also points to support for the military, recognizing both global uncertainties and Canada’s commitments to international stability. This recognizes national security as not only a matter of defense budgets or hardware, but also as a reflection of the country’s values, alliances, and role on the world stage. By including the military, MacKay suggests national priorities extend beyond domestic welfare to include Canada’s place in the global community.

Finally, MacKay refers to tax and justice systems that "work". Here, the focus is on efficiency, fairness, and effectiveness, calling for public institutions that function transparently and equitably, fostering economic growth, protecting rights, and delivering justice impartially.

Ultimately, the remark is a call to remain grounded in democratic accountability, to preserve and strengthen the pillars of public policy that define Canada, and to ensure governance is rooted in practical responsiveness to the actual needs and hopes of Canadians.