Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne stated that Canada has no intention of paying $1 billion US for a permanent seat on U.S. President Donald Trump’s “Board of Peace” overseeing Gaza’s governance and reconstruction. Champagne emphasized that while Canada may join the board, it will not contribute financially. Prime Minister Mark Carney, who accepted an invitation to join the board, highlighted the need for more details on its structure and financing. Carney mentioned a focus on providing direct aid to Palestinians in Gaza rather than pursuing a permanent seat on the board.
The White House mentioned that permanent membership is offered to partner countries displaying commitment to peace, security, and prosperity. Carney reiterated Canada’s commitment to impactful humanitarian aid in Gaza and emphasized the necessity of unimpeded aid flows to the region. The board, chaired by Trump for life, requires member states to pay $1 billion US for permanent membership.
Aside from the board, Trump appointed politicians, diplomats, and billionaires to executive committees overseeing Gaza’s processes. A team of 15 Palestinian technocrats, unrelated to Hamas and screened by Israel’s Mossad, will handle daily operations in Gaza. The United Arab Emirates and Hungary have accepted the board invitation, while other nations express concerns about the board’s charter potentially undermining the UN’s authority.
The United States initiated the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire despite unresolved issues from the first phase, such as Israeli airstrikes and Hamas’s reluctance to disarm. The upcoming phase will focus on disarming Hamas and deploying an international peacekeeping force in Gaza.