Prime Minister Carney Defends Davos Remarks Following U.S. Criticism
Prime Minister Mark Carney has firmly stated that he stands by his recent speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos, which contained implicit criticism of United States policies. This declaration comes after U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent claimed on Fox News that Carney had walked back his remarks during a conversation with President Donald Trump.
Carney Confirms Trump Phone Call and Discusses Key Issues
During a press briefing on Parliament Hill, Carney confirmed that President Trump initiated a phone call on Monday to discuss several pressing international matters. The prime minister revealed that their conversation covered a wide range of subjects including the situations in Venezuela and Ukraine, as well as Arctic security concerns.
"I said this to the president, I meant what I said in Davos," Carney told reporters. "It was a broader set of issues that Canada was the first country to understand the change in U.S. trade policy that he initiated, and we're responding to that."
Despite the Prime Minister's Office not releasing an official readout of the call, Carney described it as a "good conversation" with the American president. He emphasized that he explained Canada's arrangement with China to Trump, detailing how Canada has secured 12 new deals across four continents in just six months—an accomplishment that reportedly impressed the U.S. leader.
Trade Relations and CUSMA Discussions Take Center Stage
The conversation between the two leaders also touched on the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), with Carney expressing optimism about moving forward with the trade pact. This discussion comes at a critical time, as Trump recently threatened to impose 100 percent tariffs on Canadian goods if Canada proceeds with a free trade deal with China.
In a notable detail from the social media post containing this threat, Trump referred to Carney as "Governor Carney," highlighting the ongoing diplomatic nuances between the two nations.
Dominic LeBlanc, the minister responsible for Canada-U.S. trade, separately confirmed that he spoke with United States Trade Representative Jamieson Greer about Canada's deal with China. LeBlanc reassured that Canada remains fully committed to the North American trade agreement and announced plans to visit Washington in the coming weeks to continue discussions.
Broader Implications for Canada-U.S. Relations
The exchange highlights several important aspects of the current Canada-U.S. relationship:
- Diplomatic Communication: The direct phone call between leaders demonstrates ongoing high-level engagement despite policy differences
- Trade Policy Tensions: Canada's pursuit of international trade agreements while maintaining North American commitments creates complex diplomatic challenges
- Arctic Security Cooperation: The inclusion of Arctic security in discussions underscores the strategic importance of northern regions in bilateral relations
- Public Positioning: The differing narratives about Carney's Davos comments reveal how both countries manage public diplomacy and messaging
As work on the CUSMA review continues, Canadian officials emphasize their commitment to both the North American trade partnership and Canada's right to pursue international economic opportunities. The situation illustrates the delicate balance Canada must maintain between its closest ally and its broader global economic interests.
