Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has made it clear that he will not step back from the comments he delivered at the World Economic Forum in Davos. He said he fully stands by his speech, despite claims from US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent that he had softened his stance during a phone call with US President Donald Trump.

“To be absolutely clear, and I said this to the president, I meant what I said in Davos,” Carney said while confirming that he spoke with Trump after the global forum last week.

Dispute Over Phone Call Claims

Bessent earlier claimed that Carney had “aggressively” walked back his remarks during the call with Trump. However, the Canadian prime minister firmly rejected this version of events.

Carney said Trump personally called him and described the conversation as positive and wide-ranging. According to him, the two leaders discussed several issues and shared a “very good conversation on a wide range of subjects.”

Davos Speech Sparks Global Attention

Carney’s Davos address drew global attention after he indirectly criticised the United States for creating a “rupture” in the postwar world order. His remarks were widely seen as a response to US President Donald Trump’s increasingly assertive foreign and trade policies.

The comments placed Canada’s position on global cooperation and independence firmly in the spotlight.

Carney Pushes Back on Trump’s Canada Remark

At Davos, Carney also responded strongly to Trump’s claim that “Canada lives because of the United States.” In a national address, the prime minister rejected that idea while acknowledging the long-standing relationship between the two nations.

“Canada and the United States have built a remarkable partnership,” Carney said. He then added, “Canada doesn’t live because of the United States. Canada thrives because we are Canadian.”

China Visit Draws Attention from Washington

Meanwhile, Carney’s recent visit to China also caught Trump’s attention. The US president warned that Beijing would “eat them up,” referring to Canada’s growing engagement with China.

Despite the warning, Carney defended the move and described Canada’s renewed engagement with China as necessary and strategic.

Canada and China Announce Trade Breakthrough

During his China visit, Carney announced what he called a “landmark deal” under a “new strategic partnership.” He said the agreement marks a turning point after years of diplomatic tensions, arrests, and trade disputes between the two countries.

“Canada and China have reached a preliminary but landmark trade agreement to remove trade barriers and reduce tariffs,” Carney told reporters after meeting Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Reducing Dependence on the United States

Carney has repeatedly said Canada needs to reduce its reliance on the United States, its largest trading partner and long-time ally. His comments come as the Trump administration has sharply increased tariffs on several Canadian products.

Under the new agreement with China, tariffs on Canadian canola products are expected to drop significantly. China, once Canada’s biggest buyer of canola seed, is set to reduce tariffs to about 15 per cent by March 1, down from the current 84 per cent.

The deal could provide major relief to Canadian farmers and exporters while reshaping Canada’s trade strategy amid growing global tensions.