Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney stirred the international pot at the World Economic Forum in Davos, delivering a powerful and direct speech that boldly declared the old world order “dead.” Carney urged “middle powers” to unite against “hegemons,” subtly criticizing “great powers” acting “without restraint,” a clear reference to the US without explicitly naming it.
His provocative remarks garnered varied responses. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum lauded Carney’s message as “very much in tune with the current times,” and a Postmedia-Leger poll even showed a significant boost in support for the Liberal party back home in Canada.
However, the speech drew sharp criticism from US President Donald Trump. Speaking shortly after Carney, Trump remarked that the Canadian PM “wasn’t so grateful” for US support, emphatically stating, “Canada lives because of the United States. Remember that, Mark.” The tension escalated further when Trump threatened 100% tariffs on Canadian imports if a recent trade deal with China – which allows Chinese electric vehicles into Canada in exchange for reduced tariffs on Canadian exports – went through. Trump explicitly warned, “China will eat Canada alive.”
Despite the mounting pressure, including being referred to as “Governor” by Trump and claims from US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent that he “aggressively walked back” his comments, Carney stood firm. He publicly reaffirmed his stance on the Davos speech, asserting, “Canada thrives because we are Canadian,” not because of the US. While acknowledging a “good conversation” with Trump, where he explained Canada’s China arrangements, the diplomatic fallout highlights a tricky path ahead, especially with upcoming Canada-US-Mexico trade negotiations on the horizon.
Source: https://nationalpost.com/news/canada/carney-davos-speech-world-leaders
