By V3Edge Media
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has firmly rejected US President Donald Trump’s assertion at the World Economic Forum that “Canada lives because of the United States,” emphasising Canada’s independent strength and identity amid growing transatlantic tensions.
In a national address in Quebec City ahead of a new legislative session on Thursday, Carney stated: “Canada doesn’t live because of the United States. Canada thrives because we are Canadian.”
He described the US-Canada relationship as a “remarkable partnership” but stressed that Canada’s success is rooted in its own identity, institutions, and values.
Trump appeared to respond swiftly on his Truth Social platform, announcing he was withdrawing an invitation for Canada to join the so-called “Board of Peace” — a billion-dollar initiative promoted by Trump for resolving global conflicts.
A government source confirmed Canada would not pay to join the board, though Carney had earlier indicated he would accept an invitation.
The exchange underscores escalating strains between the long-standing allies. Carney’s remarks followed his widely applauded speech at Davos, where he warned of a “rupture” in the US-led, rules-based global order — comments interpreted as criticism of Trump’s influence.
In Davos, Carney said middle powers like Canada, which prospered under an “American hegemon,” must recognise shifting global dynamics and that “compliance” no longer protects against major-power aggression.
Trump reacted sharply in his own forum appearance: “I watched your prime minister yesterday. He wasn’t so grateful. Canada lives because of the United States. Remember that, Mark, the next time you make your statements.”
Speaking to a domestic audience, Carney positioned Canada as a model amid global “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 to be warped towards authoritarianism and exclusion.”
Carney leads a country heavily dependent on US trade (over three-quarters of Canadian exports), with key sectors like automobiles, aluminum, and steel affected by Trump’s global tariffs — though mitigated somewhat by the existing North American free trade agreement.
Negotiations to revise that deal are expected this year. Trump has repeatedly claimed the US does not need Canadian products, a stance that could devastate Canada’s economy.
Trump has also threatened to annex Canada and recently posted an image on social media showing Canada — alongside Greenland and Venezuela — under the American flag.
Carney acknowledged the fragile global landscape: “The world is more divided. Former alliances are being redefined and, in some cases, broken.”
Referring to plans to increase defence spending, he added that Canada must “defend our sovereignty (and) secure our borders,” with a mandate “to be a beacon, an example to a world that’s at sea.”
The spat highlights broader tensions, including Trump’s aggressive Greenland push and threats of tariffs on European countries backing Denmark, prompting countermeasures and warnings from leaders like French President Emmanuel Macron.
Carney vs Trump — Canada stands firm on sovereignty amid annexation threats and alliance rifts. The transatlantic relationship tested yet again. 🇨🇦🇺🇸
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