US President Donald Trump has withdrawn an invite for Canada to join his newly constituted Board of Peace, in the latest spat between the North American neighbours. Please let this Letter serve to represent that the Board of Peace is withdrawing its invitation to you regarding Canada's joining, Trump said on Truth Social in a post addressed to Prime Minister Mark Carney, who made headlines this week when he warned of a rupture in the US-led global order.
Canada had indicated that while it would not pay to be on the board, it would join. Meanwhile, EU chief Antonio Costa said European leaders have serious doubts about the scope of the board, but were willing to work with the body in Gaza.
The board, which gives Trump wide decision-making powers as chairman, is being billed by the US as a new international organisation for resolving conflicts. Trump did not give a reason in Thursday evening's post as to why he had decided to revoke Canada's offer. Carney's office did not immediately respond. The prime minister had indicated last week he would accept Trump's invite on principle. However, Ottawa had indicated in recent days that it would not pay the $1bn (£740m) membership fee which Trump has said permanent members will be asked to pay to help fund the board.
Trump's Board of Peace was originally thought to be aimed at helping end the two-year war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza and oversee reconstruction, but its proposed charter does not mention the Palestinian territory and appears to be designed to supplant functions of the UN, with Trump being the chairman for life.
Some 60 nations have been invited to join the board, and about 35 have already signed up, including Argentina, Belarus, Morocco, and Saudi Arabia. However, none of the UN Security Council permanent members have committed to participate so far, with the UK expressing concerns over including Russian President Vladimir Putin, whose country is facing international scrutiny due to the ongoing war in Ukraine.
The revocation of Canada's invitation follows Carney's notable speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos, where he urged middle powers to band together against economic coercion, a sentiment that seemingly irked Trump. In response, Trump stated that Canada should be grateful for the benefits it receives from the US, prompting Carney to assert Canada thrives independently because of its own merit.
Canada had indicated that while it would not pay to be on the board, it would join. Meanwhile, EU chief Antonio Costa said European leaders have serious doubts about the scope of the board, but were willing to work with the body in Gaza.
The board, which gives Trump wide decision-making powers as chairman, is being billed by the US as a new international organisation for resolving conflicts. Trump did not give a reason in Thursday evening's post as to why he had decided to revoke Canada's offer. Carney's office did not immediately respond. The prime minister had indicated last week he would accept Trump's invite on principle. However, Ottawa had indicated in recent days that it would not pay the $1bn (£740m) membership fee which Trump has said permanent members will be asked to pay to help fund the board.
Trump's Board of Peace was originally thought to be aimed at helping end the two-year war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza and oversee reconstruction, but its proposed charter does not mention the Palestinian territory and appears to be designed to supplant functions of the UN, with Trump being the chairman for life.
Some 60 nations have been invited to join the board, and about 35 have already signed up, including Argentina, Belarus, Morocco, and Saudi Arabia. However, none of the UN Security Council permanent members have committed to participate so far, with the UK expressing concerns over including Russian President Vladimir Putin, whose country is facing international scrutiny due to the ongoing war in Ukraine.
The revocation of Canada's invitation follows Carney's notable speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos, where he urged middle powers to band together against economic coercion, a sentiment that seemingly irked Trump. In response, Trump stated that Canada should be grateful for the benefits it receives from the US, prompting Carney to assert Canada thrives independently because of its own merit.
