The citizens of Greenland are looking to Canada for support amidst concerns of potential annexation by the United States, according to Governor General Mary Simon. Simon, a former ambassador to Denmark and Canada’s first ambassador for Circumpolar Affairs, has engaged with Greenlanders who express unease over U.S. President Donald Trump’s intentions to incorporate their territory into the U.S.
“They feel the need for significant backing from Canada to ensure they maintain their relationship with Denmark intact,” Simon informed CBC News. She added that Greenlanders are anxious due to the fluctuating media reports on the matter, causing them to ponder the situation frequently while striving for normalcy in their daily lives.
Greenland, a self-governing territory under Denmark, handles most internal affairs independently, with Copenhagen overseeing foreign policy and defense. The population, around 56,000 individuals, primarily comprises Inuit or mixed Inuit and Danish heritage.
During a recent two-day visit to Mexico City, Simon, an Inuk and Canada’s inaugural Indigenous Governor General, discussed Indigenous matters with various Indigenous nations and met with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum. Simon highlighted the importance of reinforcing Canada-Mexico relations, building on groundwork laid by Prime Minister Mark Carney and emphasizing the upcoming review of the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA).
Simon expressed optimism about advancing collaborative priorities between Canada and Mexico, stressing the significance of maintaining strong bilateral ties, especially with CUSMA discussions on the horizon.
Following Prime Minister Carney’s address at the World Economic Forum in Davos, where he outlined a world order influenced by major powers, Simon endorsed Canadians reading the speech to comprehend Canada’s stance amidst global complexities. She is set to inaugurate a Canadian consulate in Nuuk, Greenland, alongside Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand, followed by a speaking engagement in Norway during her upcoming visit.
