Record 002 · Canada's nasty.
Who takes care of whom.
“Canada's nasty. They are. They're nasty.”
Donald Trump · Remarks at the White House · August 5, 2026
But Canada — Canada's nasty. They are. They're nasty. People think Canada — they're nasty. People — I love the people, but they're nasty. Nasty leadership.
On September 11, 2001, Gander, Newfoundland — a town of about 10,000 — received 38 diverted aircraft carrying 6,656 people, and looked after them for days.
In the years that followed, Canada deployed to Afghanistan alongside its allies. More than 40,000 Canadian Armed Forces members served between 2001 and 2014, Canada's largest deployment since the Second World War. 158 of them died during the mission.
That is the record. What it means next to the remark above is a question for the reader.
Each block answers one question: what does this source establish?
Evidence 01
When U.S. airspace closed on September 11, 2001, Canada managed the diverted flights under Operation Yellow Ribbon. Historica Canada records 38 planes landing at Gander. The Town of Gander counts the same total as 34 civilian aircraft plus four military flights.
Evidence 02
Transport Canada and Historica Canada both give 6,656 people. The Town of Gander describes it as about 6,600 passengers and crew, against a population of 9,651 at the time. The figures are rounded differently, not in conflict.
Evidence 03
The Town of Gander's own account: over the following week, locals did their best to ensure the "plane people" had everything they needed. Historica Canada records the instruction that set it in motion: "we're going to ask people to open their doors."
Evidence 04
The Town of Gander: "New friendships would be forged and many keep in contact to this day."
Evidence 05
Veterans Affairs Canada's deployment data records 40,026 members deployed between 2001 and 2013 — 34,640 Regular Force and 5,386 Primary Reserve. Canada's flag was lowered for the last time in Afghanistan on March 12, 2014.
Evidence 06
Veterans Affairs Canada describes it as "the largest deployment of our troops since the Second World War"; the Government of Canada's July 2026 statement calls it "the longest combat operation in Canada's history."
Evidence 07
Veterans Affairs Canada: "While in Afghanistan, 158 Canadian Armed Forces members, a diplomat, four aid workers, a government contractor and a journalist lost their lives." Canada served alongside NATO allies in the international mission that followed the attacks of September 11, 2001.
What the evidence does not establish
Why the remark was made, or what anyone intended by it. Facts First does not select evidence because it helps Canada; it selects evidence because it can be checked. The contrast between the record and the remark is yours to weigh.
On September 11, 2026, former prime minister Jean Chrétien spoke in Gander at the 25th-anniversary commemoration of the September 11 attacks, at a service hosted by the Town of Gander.
Chrétien, who was prime minister when the attacks occurred, reflected on Canada's response and on the relationship between Canada and the United States.
“Never mistake our generosity for weakness.”
He also said Canada would stand up for itself, and addressed the United States as a friend and a neighbour throughout, closing in French with a salute to both countries.
Jean Chrétien Speaks at 9/11 Commemoration in Gander, N.L. — full remarks, September 11, 2026
What these remarks do not establish
Anything about September 11, 2001. These remarks are on the record because of where and when they were made; what happened in Gander in 2001 rests on the sources listed with the evidence above, and on nothing said in 2026.
Historica Canada
Heritage Minute — Gander and 9/11
"Gander, a small town in Newfoundland, welcomed 38 planes, carrying 6,656 people – nearly double the town's population." Names the effort Operation Yellow Ribbon.
View original →Town of Gander
History — September 11, 2001
"34 planes came to Gander with about 6,600 passengers and crew. In addition, four military flights were also diverted, for a total of 38 aircraft." Gives the town's population at the time as 9,651 and says friendships formed then continue today.
View original →Transport Canada
Four Days in September (TP 13978) — Operation Yellow Ribbon
"Normally, the town has a population of about 10,000." "On September 11th, we had 38 aircraft with a total of 6,656 people drop by for coffee, then stay for three or four days."
View original →Veterans Affairs Canada
Afghanistan — Canada's mission, 2001 to 2014
"More than 40,000 Canadians would serve in the region. This would become the largest deployment of our troops since the Second World War."
View original →Veterans Affairs Canada
Facts and figures — 10.0 Afghanistan Veterans
Deployment data as of March 2014: 34,640 Regular Force and 5,386 Primary Reserve members, 40,026 in total (source: CAF Strategic Joint Staff). The flag was lowered for the last time on March 12, 2014.
View original →Veterans Affairs Canada
National Monument to Canada's Mission in Afghanistan
"While in Afghanistan, 158 Canadian Armed Forces members, a diplomat, four aid workers, a government contractor and a journalist lost their lives." Also: "This was the longest combat deployment in Canadian history." Page updated August 2026.
View original →Government of Canada
Ministers of Veterans Affairs and National Defence mark 15 years since the end of Canada's combat mission in Afghanistan (July 2026)
"Tragically, 158 CAF members and seven Canadian civilians died during the mission in Afghanistan." "…the more than 40,000 Canadians who served in the longest combat operation in Canada's history."
View original →Government of Canada
Canada in Afghanistan (2001–2014) — National Defence military history hub
"Canada's operations in Afghanistan from 2001 to 2014." Entry point to the official timelines and remembrance material.
View original →CPAC
Jean Chrétien Speaks at 9/11 Commemoration in Gander, N.L. — full remarks, September 11, 2026
The complete speech as broadcast, 13 minutes 23 seconds. CPAC: "Former prime minister Jean Chrétien delivers remarks at the 9/11 commemorative service hosted by the Town of Gander in Newfoundland and Labrador." Cited only for what was said in 2026.
View original →Last checked:
Film credits
Music from #Uppbeat — Simon Folwar, "Enemy at the Gates" · License code: LFL85D3OMIBAVV7S
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