Prime Minister Mark Carney held a significant bilateral meeting with his Danish counterpart, Mette Frederiksen, on Tuesday, January 6, 2026. The talks took place at the Canadian Embassy in Paris against a backdrop of renewed geopolitical discussions concerning Greenland.
High-Level Talks in Paris
The meeting between the two leaders occurred as the United States has recently intensified its public discourse regarding the potential acquisition of Greenland. While the historic and strategic significance of the Arctic island was undoubtedly a key context for the discussions, the official agenda focused on broader bilateral relations between Canada and Denmark.
Carney and Frederiksen used the opportunity to reinforce the strong partnership between their nations. The dialogue covered shared priorities, including Arctic cooperation, climate change, and security issues in the North Atlantic. The location of the meeting in Paris suggests it was coordinated alongside other international engagements.
Carney Announces Canadian Support for Ukraine
Separately, Prime Minister Carney made a major foreign policy announcement related to the ongoing conflict in Eastern Europe. He declared that Canada will build specialized military forces dedicated to supporting peace efforts in Ukraine.
This commitment signals a sustained and potentially expanded Canadian role in the region. The announcement clarifies Canada's strategic direction following the ouster of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, with Carney stating that Canadian oil will remain competitive in the evolving global energy market.
Political Reshuffle and Economic Context
The Prime Minister also addressed the recent resignation of Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland, characterizing her decision to step down as "consistent" with taking on a new role as an adviser on Ukraine. This move points to a continued high-level focus on the Ukrainian crisis within the Canadian government.
These diplomatic and policy developments unfold within a complex global economic landscape. Analysts from Deloitte project that oil prices will hover around US$58 per barrel due to a persistent supply glut, while noting rising natural gas prices in Alberta.
The meeting between Carney and Frederiksen, though planned, carries added weight given the renewed U.S. interest in Greenland's future. It underscores Canada's active engagement with key Arctic partners and its parallel commitment to addressing security challenges in Europe.
