Canada Reaffirms Humanitarian Commitment to Gaza Amid Growing Diplomatic Tensions
Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand has declared that Canada will remain steadfast in its humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza, emphasizing that the nation's actions will continue to reflect its fundamental values. This commitment comes during a period of escalating diplomatic friction between Canada and the United States, following former President Donald Trump's abrupt withdrawal of an invitation for Prime Minister Mark Carney to join a proposed international "Board of Peace."
Core Values Guide Canadian Policy in Gaza
Speaking from Quebec City, where federal cabinet ministers are gathered for a planning forum, Minister Anand outlined the principles guiding Canada's position. "Our values have been clear," she stated firmly. "Hamas should have no role in the future governance of Palestine. Hamas must demilitarize and disarm. There must be a ceasefire, and Israelis and Palestinians must be able to live in peace and security side by side."
Anand revealed that the Canadian government has already committed approximately $400 million in humanitarian aid to address the crisis in Gaza and intends to maintain this support regardless of external political developments. "That has been a priority of mine and ours in this government, and we will continue with that process, without question," she affirmed, noting she maintains constant communication with her G7 counterparts regarding the situation.
Diplomatic Rift Emerges Over Trump's Peace Initiative
The minister's comments arrive amidst a surprising diplomatic development involving the United States. Former President Donald Trump announced via his Truth Social platform that he was rescinding Prime Minister Carney's invitation to participate in his newly conceived "Board of Peace." In a brief but pointed message, Trump wrote, "Dear Prime Minister Carney: Please let this Letter serve to represent that the Board of Peace is withdrawing its invitation to you regarding Canada's joining, what will be, the most prestigious Board of Leaders ever assembled, at any time."
This decision appears to mark a significant escalation in tensions between the two North American allies, which have been simmering since Prime Minister Carney delivered a widely noted speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos earlier in the week. In his address, Carney declared the old "rules-based international order" was dead and urged nations to stand against bullies and hegemonic powers, though he did not mention any world leaders by name.
Carney's Firm Rebuttal to Trump's Comments
The situation intensified when Trump, speaking later at the same forum, directed pointed remarks toward Canada and its prime minister. "They should be grateful to us, Canada — but they're not. Canada lives because of the United States. Remember that, Mark, the next time you make your statements," the former president asserted.
Prime Minister Carney offered a concise but powerful response during his own address in Quebec City on Thursday. "Canada and the United States have built a remarkable partnership in the economy, in security and in enriched cultural exchanges," he acknowledged. However, he countered Trump's characterization directly, stating, "Canada doesn't live because of the United States. Canada thrives because we are Canadian."
Background details reveal that Carney had initially accepted a role on Trump's Board of Peace the previous week, according to a senior government official. However, Canadian officials grew increasingly cautious as days passed, particularly after learning the U.S. president would request a $1 billion US membership fee from participating nations. Carney had previously commented in Davos that "We think there are aspects of the governance and the decision-making process that could be improved" regarding the proposed board.
Cabinet Forum Proceeds Amidst International Headlines
While these international developments unfolded, Carney's ministers continued their cabinet planning meetings in the chilly setting of Quebec City, preparing for the new parliamentary session. The timing of Trump's announcement proved particularly striking, as ministers received the news on their phones while enjoying an evening dinner at the historic Château Frontenac hotel.
Minister Anand's reaffirmation of Canada's Gaza policy underscores the government's intent to pursue an independent foreign policy course based on humanitarian principles and national values, even as diplomatic relations with its closest ally face unexpected strain. The simultaneous handling of Middle Eastern humanitarian crises and North American diplomatic challenges highlights the complex landscape facing Canadian foreign policy as 2026 begins.
