On Thursday, hours before Mr Trump’s announcement, Mr Carney went further, denouncing “authoritarianism and exclusion” in a speech that appeared to be referencing the US president. The Canadian leader had received an invitation to the Board of Peace last week, and his staff had said he was planning to accept. In the year since Mr Trump’s return to power, he has taken a particularly aggressive stance against the northern neighbour, which has rankled Canada’s government and enraged its citizens. Mr Carney and Mr Trump had in the past enjoyed a cordial relationship. Mr Trump, speaking a day later, briefly referenced Mr Carney’s speech.

Source: The Irish Times January 23, 2026 16:35 UTC