DAVOS, SWITZERLAND — Prime Minister Mark Carney asserted Canada’s support for Greenland at the World Economic Forum on Tuesday, stating Canada “strongly opposes tariffs over Greenland.”
The Prime Minister’s comments followed a recent announcement by U.S. President Donald Trump of a potential 10 per cent tariff on several European countries, prompted by their deployment of troops to Greenland – the Danish autonomous territory that President Trump has repeatedly stated he “needs” for national security reasons.
While addressing attendees, Carney referenced the increasing use of economic coercion and tariffs as leverage by powerful nations, but did not directly name the United States or its president.
Carney characterized the current global landscape as a “rupture, not a transition,” signaling a significant shift away from the established world order. He argued that middle powers like Canada face a critical choice: to compete for favor among larger nations, or to collaborate and forge a new, impactful path.
He urged nations to prioritize diversification as a means of strengthening sovereignty and building resilience against external pressures. According to Carney, allies “will diversify to hedge against uncertainty,” seeking to “buy insurance” and “increase options.”
Carney’s appearance in Davos concluded a ten-day international tour that included high-level meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping and the Amir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted Prime Minister Carney’s statement regarding Greenland?
Prime Minister Carney’s statement came in response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s threat to impose a 10 per cent tariff on several European countries following their troop deployments to Greenland.
What did Prime Minister Carney say about the current global order?
Carney stated that the world is experiencing a “rupture, not a transition,” indicating a break from the previous world order and a need for new approaches.
What did Prime Minister Carney suggest middle powers like Canada should do?
Carney urged middle powers to work together to create a “third path with impact,” rather than competing for favor with larger nations, and to prioritize diversification to strengthen their sovereignty.
As global power dynamics continue to shift, what role will middle powers play in shaping the future of international relations?
