U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Thursday the withdrawal of an invitation for Prime Minister Mark Carney to participate in his “Board of Peace” initiative for Gaza. The initiative was launched at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, with the goal of rebuilding the war-torn region during a transition period.
While 35 countries have signed up for the board, Carney had not officially accepted the invitation. He was absent from the launch in Davos as he was attending a cabinet retreat in Quebec City. Trump took to his Truth Social website to convey the uninvitation to Carney.
In response, a spokesperson from the Prime Minister’s Office provided a restrained statement expressing support for Trump’s peace efforts in Gaza. Meanwhile, key Middle East countries like Israel, Turkey, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar have joined the initiative, but traditional European allies such as the U.K. and France have declined the invitation.
The invitation process for Canada involved an official letter from Global Affairs Canada to Carney while he was traveling. The Prime Minister’s Office requested a comprehensive assessment before making a decision. Concerns have been raised by rights experts about Trump overseeing a board governing a foreign territory.
Despite initially expressing interest, Carney later raised doubts about joining the board, citing uncertainties about its structure and the membership fee. Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne confirmed that Canada has no intention of paying the substantial fee for a permanent position on the board.
The withdrawal of Carney’s invitation followed speeches by both leaders at the Davos event. Carney’s speech highlighted global affairs, emphasizing the use of economic integration as a tool by major powers, while Trump’s address included remarks about Canada’s relationship with the U.S.
Carney responded to Trump’s comments during a cabinet retreat, asserting that Canada thrives as a result of being Canadian, not due to any other country. The exchange between the leaders coincides with upcoming trade talks among Canada, the U.S., and Mexico under the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA).
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