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 He announced that he had withdrawn Carney’s invitation to join his newly announced “Board of Peace.”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.
