Prime Minister Mark Carney walks alongside Qatar’s Emir Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani during a meeting at the Amiri Diwan in Doha on Sunday, January 18, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS
Prime Minister Mark Carney says Canada is watching closely as the United States increases pressure on European countries over its plan to buy Greenland. Carney voiced concern after the U.S. threatened new tariffs against nations that oppose the proposal involving the self-governing Danish territory.
Speaking at a news conference in Doha, Carney made clear that Canada takes the situation seriously. “It’s a serious situation, and we’re concerned. We’re concerned about this escalation, to be absolutely clear,” he said. “We always will support sovereignty and territorial integrity of countries wherever their geographic location is.”
Tariff Threats Target European Allies
U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Denmark, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Finland will face a 10 per cent tariff starting February 1. He added that the tariff will rise to 25 per cent on June 1 if the United States fails to reach a deal for what he called “the complete and total purchase of Greenland.”
Trump has argued that U.S. control of Greenland serves national security interests and has said he would move forward “whether they like it or not.”
Canada Stands Firm on Sovereignty
Carney stressed that Canada’s position has not changed. He said Greenland’s future rests with its people and Denmark, not outside pressure.
The prime minister also pointed to the role of NATO in safeguarding the Arctic region. He said Greenland already benefits from alliance protection and confirmed that Canada continues to work with partners to strengthen Arctic defence.
“I had conversations with the NATO secretary-general in Paris 10 days ago... about how we’re going to further enhance that security umbrella. It’s something that Canada is working on already,” Carney said.
Arctic Security Remains a Priority
Canada’s most recent defence policy warns about growing interest in the Arctic from China and Russia. The document notes that China’s goals in the region “increasingly diverge from our own on matters of defence and security.”
Although the policy came out before Carney took office, he said Canada continues to focus on Arctic protection. He added that his government has expanded Canada’s military presence in the region year-round. According to Carney, Canadian forces now operate “365 days a year on land, sea, and in the air.”
Carney also said he found common ground on Arctic sovereignty during discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Talks May Continue in Davos
Carney said he plans to raise Canada’s position directly with Trump if the two leaders meet in Davos, Switzerland, during the World Economic Forum later this week.
Meanwhile, U.S. political voices continue to weigh in. Former Trump adviser Steve Bannon said on his podcast that Canada is “rapidly changing” and becoming “hostile” toward the United States.
“Canada is in the vital national security interest of the United States,” Bannon said. “This is inextricably linked to Hemispheric defence. Hemispheric defence for the United States starts in Canada.”
