Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney confirmed he stands by his Davos speech after a U.S. official claimed he walked back his remarks during a phone call with President Donald Trump.
Carney Clarifies Phone Call With Trump
Carney told reporters Tuesday that he clearly meant his comments in Davos, where he criticized unconstrained superpowers and indirectly referenced the U.S. president for creating a “rupture” in the postwar world order. He said his discussion with Trump was constructive and covered topics such as Ukraine, Venezuela, Arctic security, and Canada’s trade agreements.
Trump had responded in his own Davos speech, asserting, “Canada lives because of the United States.”
Carney denied U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s statement that he had “very aggressively” walked back his remarks to Trump. Carney explained that Trump called him Monday, and they had a “very good conversation on a wide range of subjects,” including the upcoming review of the USMCA trade pact with Mexico.
Trade Talks and China Misconceptions
Bessent criticized Canada for negotiating trade measures with China, calling the move risky. He argued that Canada relies on U.S. trade and should prioritize its own citizens over a globalist agenda. His comments followed Trump’s threat to impose 100% tariffs on Canadian goods if China’s exports bypass U.S. tariffs.
Carney emphasized that Canada is not pursuing a free-trade deal with China and has “never” considered one. He said Ottawa’s agreement with Beijing simply lowers levies on Canadian canola oil and limits tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles.
Carney noted that Trump’s tariff threats should be viewed as negotiation tactics ahead of USMCA discussions. He said the president is a strong negotiator, and these statements fit into a broader trade strategy.
Carney Stands by Canadian Interests
Carney said his Davos remarks highlighted how Canada recognized changes in U.S. trade policy early and has been responding accordingly. He added that Trump understood Canada’s position and that the conversation reinforced collaboration between the two nations.
