QUEBEC CITY — Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney drew international attention this week with pointed remarks about a “rupture” in the U.S.-led global order, signaling growing tensions between Canada and the United States.
At a national address ahead of the new legislative session on Thursday, Carney responded to President Donald Trump’s controversial claim at the World Economic Forum that “Canada lives because of the United States.” Carney firmly countered, stating, “Canada doesn’t live because of the United States. Canada thrives because we are Canadian,” while acknowledging the “remarkable partnership” between the two nations.
The exchange intensified later on Thursday when Trump took to his social media platform, Truth Social, to withdraw an invitation for Canada to join his self-styled “Board of Peace,” a billion-dollar initiative aimed at resolving global conflicts. Trump posted, “Dear Prime Minister Carney: Please let this Letter serve to represent that the Board of Peace is withdrawing its invitation to you regarding Canada’s joining.”
Sources indicated that Canada would not pay to be part of the board, despite Carney’s earlier indication of willingness to accept the invitation. The diplomatic spat highlights increasing tensions amid shifting international alliances.
Carney’s comments follow a speech he delivered earlier in Davos, Switzerland, where he received a standing ovation for warning that the global order, traditionally led by the U.S., is experiencing a significant “rupture.” Without mentioning Trump by name, Carney suggested that middle powers like Canada must recognize a new reality where compliance no longer guarantees safety from major power conflicts.
In response, Trump criticized Carney during his own speech, stating, “I watched your prime minister yesterday. He wasn’t so grateful,” and adding, “Canada lives because of the United States. Remember that, Mark, the next time you make your statements.”
In his Thursday address aimed at a domestic audience, Carney emphasized Canada’s role as a model in an era of “democratic decline.” “Canada can’t solve all the world’s problems, but we can show that another way is possible—that the arc of history isn’t destined for authoritarianism and exclusion,” he said.
Despite his vocal criticism of Trump, Carney emphasized Canada’s continued reliance on U.S. trade, with over 75% of Canadian exports destined south of the border. Key sectors such as auto, aluminum, and steel have been affected by tariffs imposed by Trump, though the impacts have been somewhat mitigated by the North American Free Trade Agreement, which remains under negotiation for revision.
Trump has also repeatedly threatened to annex Canada, even posting an image on social media this week depicting Canada, Greenland, and Venezuela covered by an American flag.
On Thursday, Carney acknowledged the fragile state of global relations, stating, “The world is more divided. Former alliances are being redefined and, in some cases, broken.” He announced plans to increase defense spending, emphasizing the need to protect sovereignty and secure borders.
“Canada has a mandate to be a beacon—a model for a world that’s at sea,” Carney concluded.
