The people of Greenland are seeking support from Canada amidst concerns of potential annexation by the U.S., according to Governor General Mary Simon. Simon, a former ambassador to Denmark and Canada’s first ambassador for Circumpolar Affairs, revealed that Greenlanders feel unsettled about U.S. President Donald Trump’s expressed interest in incorporating their territory into the U.S.
“They feel the need for significant backing from Canada to ensure that their relationship with Denmark remains intact,” Simon shared with CBC News. She emphasized that Greenlanders are apprehensive about the fluctuating information in the media and strive to maintain a sense of normalcy while constantly pondering the situation.
Greenland, a semi-autonomous region under Denmark, governs most domestic affairs independently, with foreign policy and defense overseen by Copenhagen. With a population of approximately 56,000, the majority, about 90%, are of Inuit or mixed Inuit and Danish heritage.
During a recent visit to Mexico City, Simon, an Inuk and Canada’s first Indigenous Governor General, engaged in discussions with Indigenous representatives and met with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum. She praised President Sheinbaum’s dedication to Indigenous matters and aimed to strengthen ties between Canada and Mexico, following Prime Minister Mark Carney’s groundwork from his previous meeting with Sheinbaum.
The Canadian government has prioritized enhancing relations with Mexico, as evident from the upcoming trade mission led by Canada-U.S. Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc. Both countries are part of the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), currently undergoing review for renewal. Simon emphasized the importance of maintaining robust bilateral relations with Mexico, especially in light of the forthcoming CUSMA discussions.
In a speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Prime Minister Mark Carney highlighted the evolving global power dynamics and emphasized the need for countries like Canada and Mexico to collaborate rather than compete. Carney expressed solidarity with Greenland and Denmark, a sentiment echoed by Simon, who encouraged Canadians to familiarize themselves with Carney’s address.
Simon is set to travel to Nuuk, Greenland, next month alongside Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand to inaugurate a Canadian consulate. Additionally, she will deliver a speech at a conference in Norway during the same trip.