Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has hit back at US President Donald Trump`s assertion at the World Economic Forum in Davos that "Canada lives because of the United States."

On Thursday, Carney stated that Canada thrives due to its own people, not merely as a byproduct of its relationship with the US.

Carney`s comments followed his address at the Davos Summit in Switzerland, where he indirectly criticized Trump, stating that the US-led global governance system is facing significant challenges.

During Trump`s speech at the Forum, he suggested that Carney should be thankful for Canada`s reliance on the US.

Canada thrives because we are Canadian. pic.twitter.com/jBTiOyJFj5

— Mark Carney (@MarkJCarney) January 22, 2026

In a nearly 30-minute speech that preceded a Liberal cabinet meeting in Quebec City, Carney emphasized, "Canada and the United States have built a remarkable partnership in the economy, security, and cultural exchange. But Canada doesn`t live because of the United States; it thrives because we are Canadian."

Carney noted that middle powers like Canada, which have prospered during the era of American hegemony, must acknowledge a new global reality and understand that mere compliance will not protect them from major power aggression.

He called for these countries to unite in defense of key international values, a sentiment widely interpreted as a critique of Trump`s impact on global affairs.

Since taking office, Carney has been critical of Trump`s global tariffs, which have adversely affected Canada`s auto, aluminum, and steel industries, and of Trump`s threats to annex Canada.

Carney`s remarks, delivered to an international audience, also contained a domestic focus, promising to uphold Canadian values of inclusivity and fairness.

"There are long periods of history when these values can prosper unchallenged. Ours is not one of them," he stated, opting not to take questions from reporters.

He stated that "Canada must be a beacon - an example to a world at sea."

He stressed the importance of demonstrating that a nation can be both open and secure, welcoming and strong, principled and powerful, especially in times of democratic decline and rising nationalism.