Trump withdraws Canada’s invitation to his ‘Board of Peace’
President Trump revoked Canada’s invitation to the newly announced “Board of Peace” in a late social media post. Ottawa says it remains focused on humanitarian aid and a ceasefire in Gaza.
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By Torontoer Staff
U.S. President Donald Trump announced late Thursday that he was withdrawing Canada’s invitation to join his new “Board of Peace,” in a short post on his social media platform that offered no explanation. Ottawa has responded with brief assurances that Canada will continue to prioritise humanitarian aid and a ceasefire in Gaza.
The move comes amid wider controversy over the board, which Trump presented this week as a body to help preserve a ceasefire and oversee reconstruction in the Gaza Strip. Questions about who would sit on the board, and how it would operate, have multiplied since its launch.
What Trump posted
Trump posted a brief message late Thursday that said, in part, "Please let this Letter serve to represent that the Board of Peace is withdrawing its invitation to you regarding Canada’s joining, what will be, the most prestigious Board of Leaders ever assembled, at any time." The post did not explain the reasons for the rescission.
The president also included a warning about the U.S.-Canada relationship, saying Canada should remember that it "lives" because of the United States. The comment added to already heightened tensions around the new forum.
Canada’s response
Prime Minister’s Office staff did not offer an immediate comment when asked about Trump’s post. On Friday morning Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand gave a short statement at the start of a cabinet meeting, reiterating Ottawa’s priorities for Gaza.
We will continue to ensure that Canada does whatever possible to ensure that humanitarian aid flows and that there is a ceasefire that is maintained and that Hamas disarms,
Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand
Anand said those objectives reflect Canadian values and that the government would continue to pursue them. She did not address the reasons behind Trump’s decision or whether Ottawa had formally accepted the invitation before it was withdrawn.
Why the board has drawn criticism
The "Board of Peace" has provoked international questions from the start. Several leaders were not present for its announcement, and some governments have said they will not participate. French President Emmanuel Macron publicly declined to join, prompting Trump to threaten steep tariffs on French wine and champagne.
Concerns intensified when reports suggested that President Trump invited Russian President Vladimir Putin to take part. That prompted unease given Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the potential geopolitical implications of the board’s membership.
Trump has also suggested the new body "might" replace the United Nations, a comment that raised additional questions about the board’s mandate, governance and funding.
Where Ottawa stood before the withdrawal
Earlier in the week, Canada had signalled it was studying the proposal. In remarks at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said there were unanswered questions about how the board would work and said Canada wanted the board to focus on Gaza’s immediate humanitarian needs and reconstruction first.
Ottawa also announced plans to provide direct support to Palestinians in Gaza, while emphasising the need for a durable ceasefire and the disarmament of Hamas. Reports this week suggested Trump was seeking large financial commitments from countries for permanent seats on the board, but details have been inconsistent.
Key developments to watch
- Whether Ottawa seeks formal clarification from Washington about why the invitation was rescinded
- How other potential board members respond, and whether any will join despite early refusals
- What, if any, funding commitments or membership terms the board will require
- The board’s proposed role relative to existing international institutions, including the United Nations
- How the situation affects humanitarian operations and diplomatic efforts focused on Gaza
The withdrawal of Canada’s invitation adds a new diplomatic wrinkle to a proposal that has already faced scepticism. Officials in Ottawa say they will continue to push for urgent aid and a ceasefire, while questions about the board’s membership and mandate remain unresolved.
CanadaUnited StatesDonald TrumpGazaforeign policyAnita Anand
