U.S. President Donald Trump displays the signed Board of Peace document during a global leaders’ meeting in Davos, Switzerland, on January 22, 2026. AP Photo
The relationship between Canada and the United States faced fresh strain this week after U.S. President Donald Trump withdrew an invitation for Canada to join a new international body focused on post-war Gaza.
In a public letter addressed to Prime Minister Mark Carney, Trump said Canada would no longer take part in the U.S.-led Board of Peace, an initiative designed to oversee Gaza’s reconstruction following years of conflict.
Invitation Withdrawn in Open Letter
Trump shared the letter late Thursday, stating that the board had decided to remove Canada from its plans.
“Please let this Letter serve to represent that the Board of Peace is withdrawing its invitation to you regarding Canada’s joining,” Trump wrote. He described the board as “the most prestigious Board of Leaders ever assembled.”
“Thank you for your attention to this matter!” the letter concluded.
Earlier reports indicated that Carney planned to accept the invitation but had not formally done so. Canadian officials confirmed that discussions remained ongoing before Trump’s announcement.
What the Board of Peace Aims to Do
The Board of Peace is a U.S.-led effort that focuses on overseeing the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas and guiding Gaza toward stability and rebuilding. Trump has positioned the board as a powerful global forum, initially centred on Gaza but with ambitions that may extend beyond the region.
The group includes senior political figures, business leaders, and international officials. Trump has said the board could work alongside existing global institutions, though details about its role remain limited.
Political Reaction at Home
The decision sparked political debate in Canada. Conservative Party Leader Pierre Poilievre criticized Carney’s leadership, saying the government needs to show results rather than rely on speeches.
“We need to do things, not just say them,” Poilievre said, while also announcing plans to introduce new legislation when Parliament returns.
Carney, speaking later in Quebec City, defended Canada’s global role and addressed recent remarks from Trump. During an international forum earlier in the week, Trump had said Canada “should be grateful” and claimed that “Canada lives because of the United States.”
Carney rejected that view.
“Canada doesn’t live because of the United States – Canada thrives because we’re Canadian,” he said.
Tensions Extend Beyond Canada
Trump’s foreign policy moves this week also raised questions abroad. Greenland’s prime minister said he still lacked clarity on Trump’s ideas regarding the island, stressing that sovereignty remained a red line. European leaders echoed similar concerns, while NATO officials urged allies to stay focused on Ukraine amid shifting global priorities.
Uncertain Path Ahead
The removal of Canada from the Board of Peace adds to uncertainty around the initiative and highlights the fragile state of international cooperation. With few details about how the board will operate, allies continue to weigh whether participation aligns with their interests.
For Canada, the episode underscores the challenges of managing a close but often unpredictable relationship with Washington.
