Prime Minister Mark Carney is standing firmly by his widely watched Davos speech, dismissing claims from the United States that he walked back his remarks during a recent phone call with President Donald Trump.
Speaking to reporters on Parliament Hill, Carney made it clear that his message at the World Economic Forum was deliberate and unchanged. He said his comments reflected Canada’s clear-eyed understanding of the shift in U.S. trade policy and the country’s response to a rapidly evolving global landscape. According to Carney, he conveyed that position directly to the president during their conversation.
The prime minister confirmed he spoke with Trump on Monday, describing the discussion as constructive and covering a broad range of topics. He rejected assertions that he softened or retracted any part of his Davos address, stating plainly that he did not walk back his remarks.
The pushback followed comments from a senior U.S. official who claimed Carney had retreated from what were described as “unfortunate” statements made in Switzerland. Those claims surfaced shortly after the call between the two leaders, fuelling speculation about rising tensions between Ottawa and Washington.
Carney’s Davos speech drew international attention and praise for its blunt assessment of global power dynamics. Without naming specific countries, he warned against major powers using economic integration as a weapon and argued that the long-standing global order is no longer viable in its current form. He emphasized that middle powers like Canada must play an active role in shaping a new international framework grounded in shared values and cooperation.
Following the speech, Trump publicly rebuked Carney, asserting that Canada depends on the United States and cautioning him about making future statements. Days later, the U.S. president escalated tensions by threatening to impose sweeping tariffs on Canadian goods if Canada were to pursue closer trade ties with China—despite having previously praised a recent Canada–China agreement. Trump also began referring to Carney as “governor,” a remark the prime minister brushed off by noting that public office comes with its share of labels.
Carney has since reiterated that Canada is not pursuing a free trade agreement with China, pushing back against claims that Ottawa is attempting to reposition itself as a gateway for Chinese goods into the U.S. market.
As diplomatic tensions continue to ripple outward, Carney has remained resolute, insisting his Davos remarks accurately reflect Canada’s worldview and its determination to navigate an increasingly uncertain global economy without retreating from its principles.