Canada is facing a diplomatic challenge following revelations that officials linked to former U.S. President Donald Trump engaged in undisclosed meetings with separatist activists in the province of Alberta. The reports have sparked a strong backlash among Canadians, with public sentiment toward the United States deteriorating significantly.

In response to these developments and broader concerns about U.S. relations, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney addressed the World Economic Forum in Davos, calling for the establishment of a new global order aimed at countering the influence of dominant powers he referred to as “hegemons.” Carney underscored the need for Canada to reduce its dependency on the United States, signaling a shift in Ottawa’s approach to trade and diplomacy.

President Trump reacted sharply to Carney’s remarks, asserting that “Canada lives because of the United States.” He further cast doubt on the future of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), a trade pact worth more than C$1 trillion (approximately US$705 billion) that has long defined economic relations between the two countries and Mexico. Trump described the agreement, which he played a key role in renegotiating during his first presidential term, as “irrelevant” to his administration’s goals. He also stated that the United States “didn’t need” Canadian products, an assertion that raised questions about the stability of the trade relationship.

In the face of growing uncertainty, Canadian officials have intensified efforts to diversify their trade partnerships and lessen their economic reliance on the United States. Carney remarked that Canada must address vulnerabilities that have arisen from its once-close ties to its southern neighbor, describing past dependencies as “weaknesses that we must correct.”

The situation highlights the evolving dynamics of Canada-U.S. relations amid shifting political landscapes and trade uncertainties. While Canada seeks new avenues to secure its economic interests, the prospect of a fractured free trade framework underscores the broader challenges facing North American cooperation moving forward.