In a robust response to Trump's recent remarks at his Mar-a-Lago press conference, Trudeau emphasized that Canada will not entertain any notion of joining the US, asserting there is "not a snowball's chance in hell." Amid mounting tensions over potential tariffs and trade implications, the Canadian Prime Minister reiterated the importance of collaboration between the two nations.
Trudeau Dismisses Trump’s Absorption Threat: ‘No Chance’ of Joining US
Trudeau Dismisses Trump’s Absorption Threat: ‘No Chance’ of Joining US
Canadian PM Justin Trudeau firmly rebuffs Donald Trump’s suggestion of Canada becoming the 51st US state, calling it implausible.
The article text begins below:
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has responded forcefully to former President Donald Trump’s insinuations about Canada potentially joining the United States, declaring there is "not a snowball's chance in hell" that this would occur. Trump's recent comments at a press conference highlighted his ideas of dissolving the border and integrating Canada as the 51st state, which Trudeau dismissed as unrealistic.
Trump has posed a threat to impose a significant tariff on Canadian goods unless Canada increases security measures at the shared border. This threat comes at a precarious time for Trudeau, who recently announced his resignation but intends to remain in office until a new leader is placed in charge of the governing Liberal Party, with a leadership election set for late March. The Canadian Parliament is on prorogation to facilitate this transition.
Economists voice serious concerns that Trump’s tariff threats, set to take effect after his inauguration on January 20, could damage Canada's economy, especially given that approximately C$3.6 billion ($2.5 billion) worth of goods traversed the border daily this year. The Trudeau administration is mulling over counter-tariffs if the US action proceeds. Trudeau also emphasized via social media that mutual benefits arise from the trade and security partnership shared between Canada and the US.
Trump’s remarks during his press conference also echoed past worries about drugs smuggling across Canada and Mexico's borders. He did not suggest military force would be employed to absorb Canada, but criticized its military spending relative to the US. Canada has been under pressure to increase its defense budget, which currently stands at C$27 billion ($19.8 billion), with plans to reach nearly C$50 billion by 2030.
British Columbia Premier David Eby announced that several provincial premiers would be heading to Washington DC soon to lobby against the tariff threats. Doug Ford, Ontario’s leader, urged Trudeau to collaborate with provinces in mitigating Trump’s pressures, advocating for a united front on trade relationships. Ford humorously countered Trump’s comments about statehood by proposing a transaction involving Alaska and Minnesota.
Amidst these tensions, Ontario heavily leans on trade with the United States, with bilateral trade amounting to over C$493 billion ($350 billion). Ford reiterated the significance of Ontario's energy contributions to the US, highlighting the interconnectedness of the two economies. He firmly asserted that if Trump follows through on his tariffs, Canada would respond decisively.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has responded forcefully to former President Donald Trump’s insinuations about Canada potentially joining the United States, declaring there is "not a snowball's chance in hell" that this would occur. Trump's recent comments at a press conference highlighted his ideas of dissolving the border and integrating Canada as the 51st state, which Trudeau dismissed as unrealistic.
Trump has posed a threat to impose a significant tariff on Canadian goods unless Canada increases security measures at the shared border. This threat comes at a precarious time for Trudeau, who recently announced his resignation but intends to remain in office until a new leader is placed in charge of the governing Liberal Party, with a leadership election set for late March. The Canadian Parliament is on prorogation to facilitate this transition.
Economists voice serious concerns that Trump’s tariff threats, set to take effect after his inauguration on January 20, could damage Canada's economy, especially given that approximately C$3.6 billion ($2.5 billion) worth of goods traversed the border daily this year. The Trudeau administration is mulling over counter-tariffs if the US action proceeds. Trudeau also emphasized via social media that mutual benefits arise from the trade and security partnership shared between Canada and the US.
Trump’s remarks during his press conference also echoed past worries about drugs smuggling across Canada and Mexico's borders. He did not suggest military force would be employed to absorb Canada, but criticized its military spending relative to the US. Canada has been under pressure to increase its defense budget, which currently stands at C$27 billion ($19.8 billion), with plans to reach nearly C$50 billion by 2030.
British Columbia Premier David Eby announced that several provincial premiers would be heading to Washington DC soon to lobby against the tariff threats. Doug Ford, Ontario’s leader, urged Trudeau to collaborate with provinces in mitigating Trump’s pressures, advocating for a united front on trade relationships. Ford humorously countered Trump’s comments about statehood by proposing a transaction involving Alaska and Minnesota.
Amidst these tensions, Ontario heavily leans on trade with the United States, with bilateral trade amounting to over C$493 billion ($350 billion). Ford reiterated the significance of Ontario's energy contributions to the US, highlighting the interconnectedness of the two economies. He firmly asserted that if Trump follows through on his tariffs, Canada would respond decisively.
