Canada’s relationship with the United States hit another bump this week after U.S. President Donald Trump abruptly withdrew Prime Minister Mark Carney’s invitation to join his newly announced “Board of Peace,” just days after Ottawa confirmed it had accepted the offer in principle. The reversal came as the board itself began to evolve from a Gaza-focused postwar panel into a broader and more controversial global body.
Initially unveiled on Jan. 16 as part of Trump’s ceasefire plan for Gaza, the Board of Peace was described as an international group tasked with overseeing governance, reconstruction and economic recovery in the territory. Early members included U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, former U.K. prime minister Tony Blair and U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff. Carney later said Trump had approached him weeks earlier and that Canada’s participation would hinge on humanitarian access and continued support for a two-state solution.
But the board’s mandate soon expanded. A draft charter circulating internationally called for a new peace-building body more “nimble” than the United Nations — an institution Trump has openly criticized. The scope widened further with reports that countries could secure permanent seats by paying $1 billion, while others would be limited to three-year terms. Russian President Vladimir Putin was also invited, despite the ongoing war in Ukraine, raising eyebrows among Western allies.
Tensions escalated after Carney delivered a widely shared speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos urging “middle powers” to stand together against economic coercion by dominant states. Though he did not name the United States, Trump publicly took offence, later rescinding Canada’s invitation and warning that Canada “lives because of the United States.”
Trump proceeded to sign the Board of Peace charter in Davos with fewer than 20 countries present, including Hungary, Argentina, Turkey and Pakistan, while several major U.S. allies — including France and Spain — declined to participate. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has since said he plans to join, despite earlier concerns from his government.
The fallout comes at a sensitive moment, as Canada, the U.S. and Mexico prepare for upcoming renegotiations of their North American trade agreement. With little clarity on the board’s final shape or purpose, Canada’s sudden exclusion underscores growing strains in the bilateral relationship — and raises questions about whether Trump’s vision of peace is becoming as divisive as it is ambitious