Carney says Canada thrives, not because of the United States

Prime Minister Mark Carney, speaking in Quebec City where his cabinet was meeting, said that "Canada doesn’t live because of the United States. Canada thrives because we are Canadian," setting out what he described as Canada’s direction.

Mr. Carney had just returned from the World Economic Forum in Davos, where a 30-minute speech drew an exceptional standing ovation. He urged middle powers to team up in resisting President Trump’s approach, called the current moment an irrevocable "rupture" to the global order and warned that "if we’re not at the table, we’re on the menu."

Mr. Carney’s remarks did not name Mr. Trump, but the reference was clear. Flying home from Davos, Mr. Trump rescinded his invitation for Mr. Carney to join a proposed "Board of Peace," posted an A.I. photograph superimposing a U.S. flag over a map of Canada, and in a Davos speech said, "Canada lives because of the United States." The two men did not meet in Davos.

At home, Mr. Carney addressed domestic concerns including a rekindling of support for Quebec separatism and the impact of U.S. tariffs that the article says threaten Canadian autos, steel and aluminum. He framed Canada as "a beacon" amid rising walls and thickening borders, and the recent exchanges underscore a plan to further distance Canada from Mr. Trump’s version of the United States.

Key Topics

World, Mark Carney, Donald Trump, Canada, World Economic Forum, Quebec Separatism