Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney responded to U.S. President Donald Trump comment that “Canada lives because of the United States” on Thursday by saying Canada thrives because of Canadian values.
“When even one person stops performing… the illusion begins to crack. Friends, it is time for companies and countries to take their signs down.”
— Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney opens Davos remarks with very clear shot at Trump pic.twitter.com/AeAnqHVSBW
— Charlotte Clymer 🇺🇦 (@cmclymer) January 20, 2026
Carney said Canada can show the world that the future doesn’t have to be autocratic after returning from Davos where he gave a speech that garnered widespread attention.
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n Davos at the World Economic Forum, Carney condemned coercion by great powers on smaller countries without mentioning Trump’s name.
Upon returning home to Canada, Carney responded to Trump directly by referencing Trump’s remarks in Davos.
“Canada lives because of the United States,” Trump said. “Remember that, Mark, the next time you make your statements.”
“Canada doesn’t live because of the United States. Canada thrives because we are Canadian,” Carney responded Thursday.
Carney said Canada and the U.S. have built a remarkable partnership in the areas of economy, security and rich cultural exchange, but said “we are masters in our home, this is our own country, it’s our future, the choice is up to us.”
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Trump later revoked his invitation to Carney to join his Board of Peace.
“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,” Trump posted on social media.
Carney left Davos before Trump inaugurated his Board of Peace to lead efforts at maintaining a ceasefire in Israel’s war with Hamas.
Trump has talked about making Canada the 51st state and posted this week an altered image of a map of the U.S. that includes Canada, Greenland, Venezuela and Cuba as part of its territory.
Trump said in Davos that Canada gets many “freebies” from the U.S. and “should be grateful.” He said Carney’s Davos speech showed he “wasn’t so grateful.”
Trump said Canada wants to participate in “Golden Dome” — a multibillion dollar missile defense system that he says will be operational before his term ends in 2029.
In a speech before a cabinet retreat in Quebec City, Carney said staying true to Canada’s values is key to maintaining its sovereignty.
“We can show that another way is possible, that the arc of history isn’t destined to be warped toward authoritarianism and exclusion; it can still bend toward progress and justice,” Carney said.
