By Peter Omopo
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on Thursday pushed back strongly against remarks by United States President Donald Trump, who claimed at the World Economic Forum in Davos that “Canada lives because of the United States.”
Speaking in a national address in Quebec City ahead of the opening of a new legislative session, Carney rejected the assertion while acknowledging the longstanding ties between both countries.
“Canada doesn’t live because of the United States. Canada thrives because we are Canadian,” Carney said, adding that the two nations nonetheless share a “remarkable partnership.”
The exchange highlighted growing diplomatic friction between the close allies. Shortly after Carney’s response, Trump appeared to retaliate on his Truth Social platform by withdrawing an invitation for Canada to join his newly proposed “Board of Peace,” a controversial, high-cost body aimed at resolving global conflicts.
A Canadian government source told AFP that Ottawa had no intention of paying to join the board, although Carney had earlier indicated he would consider participating if invited.
The war of words followed Carney’s widely noted speech earlier in the week at the World Economic Forum in Davos, where he warned of a “rupture” in the US-led, rules-based global order. The comments, which drew a standing ovation, were widely interpreted as a veiled critique of Trump’s approach to global affairs.
In his Davos address, Carney argued that middle powers such as Canada, which had benefited from an era of American dominance, must now adapt to a new reality in which “compliance” no longer guarantees protection from major power aggression.
Trump responded sharply during his own address to the forum on Wednesday.
“I watched your prime minister yesterday. He wasn’t so grateful,” Trump said. “Canada lives because of the United States. Remember that, Mark, the next time you make your statements.”
The escalating rhetoric underscores shifting dynamics in US–Canada relations and raises questions about the future of cooperation between the two countries amid changing global alliances.
