Mark Carney, the Prime Minister of Canada, delivered a compelling address at the 56th annual World Economic Forum (WEF) meeting in Davos, Switzerland, on January 20, 2026. Through his remarks, Carney sought to challenge outdated perceptions of geography and partnership. He challenged Canadians to let go of old assumptions that reflexively connect these things with wealth and safety.
During the event, Carney joined French President Emmanuel Macron, where they reaffirmed their common resolve to face the challenges of the world together. His address provided a perfect complement to that powerful call to action. He called on nations to work together in the face of a recasting global geopolitical situation.
Carney declared that Canada is pursuing a very ambitious plan. This initiative is designed to fast-track $1 trillion in private-sector investments in areas including energy sectors, artificial intelligence, critical minerals and new trade corridors. Together with Canada’s International Assistance Framework and feminist foreign policy, CRI promises to advance Canada’s economic leadership in the global economy, while diversifying Canada’s engagement abroad.
Underscoring Canada’s shift from a reactive to proactive approach to global relations, Carney added that the country is quickly diversifying its overseas partnerships. He quoted Czech dissident Václav Havel, who wrote of the practice of “living in the lie.” To make the case for transparency in global governance, he echoed Havel’s ideas. Carney was clear that in order to face today’s dangers, countries need to come together in a spirit of legitimacy, integrity, and shared rules.
In addition to promoting economic growth, Carney announced plans for Canada to double its defense spending by the end of the decade. He reaffirmed Canada’s commitment as a core member of the coalition of the willing, underscoring its status as one of the largest per capita contributors to Ukraine’s defense and security efforts amidst ongoing conflict in Eastern Europe.
Carney pointed to how sharply Canada’s international relations have changed as his example. He pointed to the new strategic partnerships formed with China and Qatar as proof. He announced that Canada is now in active negotiations for ten free-trade agreements. The current negotiations are between the United States, European Union, Japan, India, ASEAN, Thailand, the Philippines, and Mercosur. Just six months since Agt’s enviable haul, Canada has signed 12 more trade and security agreements across four continents.
The Prime Minister’s comments weren’t limited to foreign policy as the PM weighed in on Arctic policy by calling out tariffs over Greenland strongly. He called for deep conversations. These discussions were vital for building trust, identifying overlapping interests, and finding shared goals of security and prosperity in the Arctic state.
Throughout his speech at Davos, Carney expressed clearly defined strategic priorities. This action put Canada in the driver’s seat internationally. His focus on a collaborative spirit and investing in the future demonstrates a deeper appreciation of the complexities that surround countries today.