Quebec City:
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on Thursday firmly rejected US President Donald Trump’s provocative assertion that “Canada lives because of the United States,” saying the country’s strength comes from its own identity, values and institutions.
Addressing the nation from Quebec City ahead of the opening of a new parliamentary session, Carney acknowledged the deep ties between the two neighbours but made it clear that Canada’s success was not dependent on Washington.
“Canada and the United States have built a remarkable partnership,” Carney said.
“But Canada doesn’t live because of the United States. Canada thrives because we are Canadian.”
Trump’s Davos Taunt Sparks Response
Trump’s remarks came during the World Economic Forum in Davos, where he took a swipe at Carney a day after the Canadian leader delivered a widely praised speech that earned a rare standing ovation from global political and business leaders.
“I watched your prime minister yesterday. He wasn’t so grateful,” Trump said in Davos.
“Canada lives because of the United States. Remember that, Mark, the next time you make your statements.”
Carney Warns Of ‘Rupture’ In Global Order
Without naming Trump directly, Carney used both his Davos address and his domestic speech to argue that the US-led global system was undergoing a fundamental shift.
He described the current moment as a “rupture” in global governance and warned that countries which had benefited from decades of American dominance could no longer rely on automatic protection.
Carney said middle powers like Canada must recognize that “compliance” will not shield them from major power aggression in the emerging global order.
Call For Middle Powers To Unite
At Davos, Carney urged middle powers to rally together, chart a new course, and actively defend democratic values, multilateralism and international cooperation.
Reiterating that message on Thursday for a domestic audience, he said Canada should lead by example at a time of growing global uncertainty.
“Canada can’t solve all the world’s problems,” he said.
“But we can show that another way is possible — that the arc of history isn’t destined to bend toward authoritarianism and exclusion.”
Canada As A Democratic Model
Carney framed Canada’s role as especially important amid what he described as global democratic decline, positioning the country as a stabilising force that can demonstrate how inclusive governance and cooperation still work.
His remarks underscore growing diplomatic tensions as US foreign policy rhetoric becomes more confrontational, even toward close allies.