Trump’s snub of PM Mark Carney collides with cabinet talks on sovereignty, trade, and security as Canada faces rising U.S. pressure.

Trump’s Presence Felt Inside Quebec’s Old Fortress

QUEBEC CITY — Even behind the thick stone walls of the Citadelle, Donald Trump felt impossible to ignore.

On Friday, Prime Minister Mark Carney gathered his cabinet inside the historic military fortress to prepare for the next parliamentary session. The focus was serious. The topics were heavy. Yet, once again, the United States dominated the conversation.

Although the meeting centered on Canada’s sovereignty, trade, and national security, Trump’s latest remarks quickly stole the spotlight. As a result, ministers found themselves responding to Washington instead of sticking to their agenda.

Cabinet Meets as Trump Drops Another Surprise

Earlier that morning, ministers arrived through fresh snow to meet with policy experts, including former high commissioner Nadir Patel. At the same time, they planned to explore artificial intelligence and future security threats.

However, overnight events changed the tone.

The night before, while ministers dined at a local Quebec City bistro, Trump made headlines. He announced that he had withdrawn Carney’s invitation to join his newly announced “Board of Peace.”

Notably, Trump posted the message himself on Truth Social. In his post, he framed the decision as final and personal.

Because of that, reporters pressed ministers for answers the moment they stepped outside.

A Board of Peace — With a Price Tag

According to government sources, Carney had cautiously accepted the invitation last week. However, concerns grew quickly.

Soon after, reports revealed that Trump planned to charge countries a US$1 billion membership fee. Then, even more troubling questions surfaced.

Specifically, Trump hinted that the board could replace the United Nations. When asked directly, he replied, “It might.”

As expected, alarm bells rang in Ottawa.

Afghanistan Comments Strike a Nerve

Meanwhile, tensions rose further after Trump falsely claimed NATO allies avoided frontline combat in Afghanistan.

Inside the Citadelle, a member of the Canadian Armed Forces watched coverage of the remarks on television. Nearby, portraits of fallen soldiers hung silently on the walls.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer quickly condemned the comments, calling them “insulting and appalling.” Consequently, the reaction echoed across allied capitals, including Ottawa.

Anand Stays Focused on Gaza Aid

Despite mounting pressure, Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand refused to address Trump’s snub directly.

Instead, she redirected attention to Canada’s humanitarian role in Gaza.

“Our values are clear,” Anand said. She emphasized that Hamas must have no role in governing Palestine. Additionally, she called for demilitarization, a ceasefire, and long-term peace.

Moreover, she confirmed that Canada has committed roughly $400 million in humanitarian assistance. According to Anand, that commitment remains firm.

Davos Speech Deepens the Divide

Still, Trump’s decision did not happen in isolation.

Earlier this week, Carney delivered a widely praised speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos. There, he declared the old rules-based global order effectively over. He urged nations to stand up to bullies and unchecked power.

Although he named no leaders, Trump took it personally.

The following day, Trump told the Davos audience that Canada should be “grateful” to the United States. He went even further, claiming Canada “lives because of” its southern neighbor.

“Remember that, Mark,” Trump added.

Carney Fires Back at Home

Back in Quebec City, Carney adjusted his prepared remarks.

In a pointed response, he rejected Trump’s framing outright.

“Canada doesn’t live because of the United States,” Carney said. “Canada thrives because we are Canadian.”

That line landed strongly at home.

U.S. Officials Stoke Regional Tensions

Meanwhile, rhetoric escalated again.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent appeared on a right-wing podcast and praised Alberta’s resources. However, he falsely claimed Ottawa blocks pipeline development.

In reality, Alberta recently signed an agreement with the federal government to support a pipeline if private investors step forward.

Even so, Bessent suggested Alberta might be better off joining the United States. He even floated the idea of a referendum.

Unsurprisingly, those comments raised eyebrows across Canada.

Canada Pushes a Clear Message Forward

Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation Evan Solomon acknowledged the growing strain.

“This is a difficult world,” he said. He warned that some voices aim to deepen divisions. Nevertheless, he stressed that Canada must keep investing in its people and economy.

As ministers prepared to leave the Citadelle — a fortress originally built to resist American invasion — the symbolism felt heavy.

Still, their message remained steady.

Canada stands on its own. And Canada intends to thrive.

Alleged Drug Kingpin and Former Olympian Ryan Wedding Arrested

Toronto – Ryan Wedding, a former Canadian Olympic snowboarder, has been arrested, according to reports.

Authorities detained Wedding after a long international manhunt.
He had remained out of public view for months.

Wedding previously competed for Canada at the 2002 Winter Olympics.
He later became the focus of major drug trafficking investigations.

Allegations Against Wedding

U.S. prosecutors accuse Wedding of leading a large international cocaine network.

Investigators say the organisation moved drugs from South America.
Shipments allegedly travelled through Mexico into North America.

Authorities also link Wedding to multiple violent crimes.
These include murders connected to drug trafficking operations.

Prosecutors describe the organisation as highly structured and dangerous.
They say it operated across several countries.

Time on the Run

Wedding became one of the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted Fugitives in 2025.

Authorities offered a reward of up to US$15 million.
The reward targeted information leading to his capture.

Investigators believe he used false identities.
They also say he moved frequently to avoid arrest.

Law enforcement agencies tracked his movements for over a year.
The effort involved cooperation across borders.

International Investigation

The FBI worked closely with Canadian and Mexican authorities.

Police carried out raids tied to Wedding’s network.
They seized luxury vehicles, motorcycles, and financial assets.

Officials estimate the seized property was worth millions of dollars.
They say the assets funded criminal operations.

Investigators believe Wedding received protection from criminal groups.
They have not confirmed all details publicly.

Arrest and Next Steps

Authorities have not released the exact arrest location.
Officials say more information will follow soon.

Wedding remains in custody pending legal proceedings.
He may face extradition to the United States.

If extradited, he could face drug trafficking and murder charges.
Convictions could lead to lengthy prison sentences.

Broader Impact

The arrest marks a major breakthrough for law enforcement.

Officials say it sends a strong message to organised crime networks.
They stress that international cooperation remains essential.

Investigators continue working on related cases.
More arrests may follow.

Autopsy Finds Dingoes Unlikely Cause of Canadian Woman’s Death in Australia

K’gari, Queensland – Authorities say dingoes were likely not responsible for the death of a Canadian woman found on an Australian beach.

The body of 19-year-old Piper James from British Columbia was discovered on Seventy Five Mile Beach on K’gari Island. The discovery happened early Monday morning.

Several dingoes were seen near the body. This raised immediate concerns about a possible attack.

Findings From the Preliminary Autopsy

Officials from the Queensland Coroners Court released preliminary autopsy results this week.

The examination found evidence consistent with drowning as the cause of death. The findings do not support a fatal dingo attack.

The autopsy confirmed the presence of bite marks on the body. However, experts said these injuries were unlikely to be fatal.

Most of the bite marks appear to have occurred after death. This suggests scavenging rather than an attack.

Investigators also found no signs of foul play or involvement of another person.

Events Before the Discovery

Police said the young woman had left her accommodation early that morning.

She reportedly went for a swim along the shoreline alone.

About an hour later, two people driving on the beach found her body and alerted authorities.

Emergency services arrived quickly, but she was pronounced dead at the scene.

Ongoing Investigation

Queensland Police continue to investigate the incident.

Officials are awaiting further pathology and toxicology results. These tests may take several weeks.

Authorities have asked the public to avoid speculation until the final report is released.

Safety Concerns on K’gari

K’gari is home to a protected population of wild dingoes.

Officials regularly warn visitors to keep distance and avoid interactions with wildlife.

The island has seen past incidents involving dingoes, including fatal and non-fatal encounters.

Authorities continue to stress visitor safety and wildlife awareness.

Family and Official Support

The victim’s family in Canada has been notified.

Canadian officials are providing consular support to assist the family during this time.

Police say the investigation remains open until final findings are confirmed.

5‑Year‑Old Minnesota Boy Detained by ICE, Sparking Outrage

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detained a five‑year‑old boy, Liam Conejo Ramos, along with his father on Tuesday as they returned home from preschool.
The incident occurred in the driveway of their home in Columbia Heights, a suburb north of Minneapolis, school officials said.

Superintendent Zena Stenvik of Columbia Heights Public Schools described the scene at a news conference.
She said agents removed Liam from the family’s running car and then told the boy to knock on the front door to check if anyone else was inside. School officials called this use of a child “bait.”

Family’s Immigration Status and Legal Fight

Liam and his father, Adrian Alexander Conejo Arias, are being held in a federal detention facility in Texas, the family’s lawyer said.
Their attorney, Marc Prokosch, said the family has an active asylum claim and no deportation order. They entered the U.S. at a legal port of entry and followed immigration procedures, he told reporters.

A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson disputed the school’s “bait” claim.
The spokesperson said ICE did not target the child but was conducting a targeted operation to detain the father, whom officials described as an undocumented immigrant. They said agents stayed with the boy while arresting his father.

Wider Impact on Community

The detention of Liam is part of a broader immigration enforcement surge in the Minneapolis area.
School officials said three other students, including a 17‑year‑old and a 10‑year‑old, were also recently detained by ICE along with family members.

Columbia Heights schools have seen lower attendance as families fear being targeted.
Liam’s teacher described him as “kind and loving,” and said classmates miss him. Officials have appealed for community support and legislative attention.