Justin Trudeau Claims Trump’s Proposal to Make Canada a U.S. State Is ‘Serious’
Trudeau Warns Trump’s Idea of Making Canada a U.S. State Is ‘Real’
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau reportedly stated on Friday that former U.S. President Donald Trump’s discussions about turning Canada into the 51st U.S. state are “a real thing” and are tied to Canada’s natural resources, according to local media.
Speaking at a closed-door session with business and labor leaders, Trudeau’s remarks were accidentally broadcast over a loudspeaker, Canada’s public broadcaster CBC reported.
“Mr. Trump has it in mind that the easiest way to do it is by absorbing our country, and it is a real thing. In my conversations with him on…,” Trudeau was heard saying before the microphone cut off, per CBC’s report.
“They’re very aware of our resources, of what we have, and they very much want to benefit from those,” Trudeau allegedly added.
Trudeau’s office did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Gil McGowan, president of the Alberta Federation of Labor, confirmed Trudeau’s comments in a post on social platform X, stating, “Yes, I can confirm that Trudeau said his assessment is that what Trump really wants is not action on fentanyl or immigration or even the trade deficit. What he really wants is to either dominate Canada or take it outright.”
Trump has previously suggested that Canada would be better off as part of the United States.
Trudeau Addresses Trump’s Tariff Threats
Later on Friday, in public remarks at a Toronto summit on Canada-U.S. economic relations, Trudeau urged Canada to adopt a “tactical and strategic” approach in response to Trump’s threats of imposing tariffs on Canadian imports.
“We need to be ready to respond robustly,” Trudeau stated. “We also have to be ready to support Canadians through a difficult time of tariffs.”
Trump recently agreed to a 30-day pause on imposing 25% tariffs on Canadian and Mexican imports, including a 10% tariff on Canadian oil, natural gas, and electricity. He initially proposed the tariffs to pressure both countries into stricter immigration and fentanyl control policies.
Trudeau said Canada must use this window to highlight its efforts on border security. The Canadian government has announced a CA$1.3 billion (US$900 million) plan to enhance border enforcement, featuring drones, helicopters, additional personnel, and a new U.S.-Canada joint task force.
Additionally, Trudeau committed to appointing a new “fentanyl czar” to coordinate efforts between the two nations, despite Canada accounting for less than 1% of fentanyl and illegal border crossings into the U.S.
“We need to be very deliberate about how we engage with the U.S. and demonstrate that Canada is responsible for only a tiny fraction of the North American fentanyl issue, while still being deeply affected by this crisis,” he said.
Canada’s Trade Strategy Amid U.S. Uncertainty
With the potential for tariffs looming after 30 days, Trudeau emphasized the need for Canada to reduce its dependence on the U.S. market and strengthen trade ties with other countries.
“This is a moment in our country’s history that really matters,” he said, calling for “genuine free trade” within Canada.
Canada had planned retaliatory tariffs of 25% on CA$155 billion (US$109 billion) worth of U.S. goods if Trump proceeded with his tariff threats.
Candace Laing, president and CEO of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, welcomed the focus on internal trade and economic diversification.
“It’s clear that we can’t just tinker around the edges with incremental steps right now,” Laing said. “We’ve got to be bold so that businesses and communities can pivot to be more resilient and less reliant on what happens in the U.S.”
