Prime Minister Justin Trudeau reportedly spoke about U.S. President Donald Trump's suggestion of making Canada the 51st U.S. state, calling it "a real thing" in a recent private meeting with business and labor leaders. His comments were unintentionally broadcast by a loudspeaker, as reported by CBC.According to CBC’s coverage, Trudeau shared that Trump has expressed an interest in absorbing Canada due to its abundant natural resources. The microphone cut out during his comments, but the statement seemed to imply that Trump views Canada’s resources as a key motivator for such an idea. Trudeau’s office has yet to release an official comment on his remarks.
Gil McGowan, the president of the Alberta Federation of Labor, confirmed Trudeau's comments on social media, stating that Trudeau believes Trump's true aim is not simply about issues like immigration or trade deficits, but rather about asserting control over Canada or even annexing it.In public remarks, Trudeau emphasized the need for Canada to be “strategic and tactical” when addressing Trump’s potential imposition of tariffs on Canadian goods. These tariffs could significantly affect imports from Canada, including oil, natural gas, and electricity, and have been threatened to ensure U.S. cooperation on issues like illegal immigration and fentanyl smuggling.Trump has been vocal in the past about his view that Canada could benefit from joining the U.S. He has also used tariffs as leverage to boost U.S. domestic manufacturing and increase government revenue. Recently, Trump agreed to delay the imposition of the tariffs for 30 days to allow for further negotiations.Trudeau noted that Canada could use this period to demonstrate its commitment to increased border security, with the country unveiling a $1.3 billion security plan. This initiative includes resources like drones and helicopters and aims to address cross-border challenges with the U.S. In addition, Canada is planning to appoint a new "fentanyl czar" to manage the issue of fentanyl trafficking.Trudeau also remarked that Canada must be prepared to respond "robustly" if the tariffs are eventually enforced. He acknowledged the difficulty such actions would pose but stressed the importance of standing firm in the face of challenges. Canada's planned response could involve retaliatory tariffs on U.S. imports.The Prime Minister also pointed out the necessity of fostering “genuine free trade” within Canada and improving trade relationships with other nations, particularly in light of the current trade uncertainties with the U.S.Candace Laing, the CEO of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, welcomed the focus on internal trade, diversification, and how to handle potential U.S. tariffs. She emphasized the need for bold steps to ensure resilience in Canadian businesses and communities, reducing their dependence on the U.S. market.
Gil McGowan, the president of the Alberta Federation of Labor, confirmed Trudeau's comments on social media, stating that Trudeau believes Trump's true aim is not simply about issues like immigration or trade deficits, but rather about asserting control over Canada or even annexing it.In public remarks, Trudeau emphasized the need for Canada to be “strategic and tactical” when addressing Trump’s potential imposition of tariffs on Canadian goods. These tariffs could significantly affect imports from Canada, including oil, natural gas, and electricity, and have been threatened to ensure U.S. cooperation on issues like illegal immigration and fentanyl smuggling.Trump has been vocal in the past about his view that Canada could benefit from joining the U.S. He has also used tariffs as leverage to boost U.S. domestic manufacturing and increase government revenue. Recently, Trump agreed to delay the imposition of the tariffs for 30 days to allow for further negotiations.Trudeau noted that Canada could use this period to demonstrate its commitment to increased border security, with the country unveiling a $1.3 billion security plan. This initiative includes resources like drones and helicopters and aims to address cross-border challenges with the U.S. In addition, Canada is planning to appoint a new "fentanyl czar" to manage the issue of fentanyl trafficking.Trudeau also remarked that Canada must be prepared to respond "robustly" if the tariffs are eventually enforced. He acknowledged the difficulty such actions would pose but stressed the importance of standing firm in the face of challenges. Canada's planned response could involve retaliatory tariffs on U.S. imports.The Prime Minister also pointed out the necessity of fostering “genuine free trade” within Canada and improving trade relationships with other nations, particularly in light of the current trade uncertainties with the U.S.Candace Laing, the CEO of the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, welcomed the focus on internal trade, diversification, and how to handle potential U.S. tariffs. She emphasized the need for bold steps to ensure resilience in Canadian businesses and communities, reducing their dependence on the U.S. market. 
