Canada will not pay US$1-billion to join Trump's Board of Peace, Champagne says

Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne said Canada will not pay a reported US$1-billion membership fee to join Donald Trump's 'Board of Peace', and a final decision on joining has not yet been made.

Canada's finance minister said the government will not pay a reported US$1-billion membership fee to join Donald Trump's proposed "Board of Peace," while Ottawa continues to consider whether to accept an invitation. François-Philippe Champagne made the remarks to reporters on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos and said a final decision has not yet been taken. Prime Minister Mark Carney was reported to have agreed in principle to accept an invitation to sit on the board. The board was introduced alongside Mr. Trump's peace plan for Gaza and was authorized by the United Nations Security Council through 2027 with a mandate focused on the Gaza conflict. Key points: - Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne said Canada will not pay a reported US$1-billion membership fee to participate in the board. - Champagne spoke in Davos and said the Prime Minister will make a final decision once the board's terms and details are clear. - He declined to say whether President Trump's invitation to Russian President Vladimir Putin would affect Canada's position. - A copy of an invitation letter and draft charter says the board would be chaired for life by Donald Trump and would begin with Gaza before expanding to other conflicts. - The United Nations Security Council authorized the board through 2027 with a mandate limited to the Gaza conflict, and some observers have expressed concern that the board's broader ambitions could affect the UN's role. Summary: Canada's reported refusal to pay the membership fee clarifies one element of Ottawa's stance while discussions continue over the board's terms and membership. The Prime Minister will make the final decision when all details are known. Undetermined at this time.