TORONTO (AP) — Canada’s finance minister stated that U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s suggestion that Canada should become the 51st state is no longer a joke and is intended to undermine the country’s relationship with its closest ally. Dominic LeBlanc, the Canadian official responsible for U.S.-Canada relations, indicated that Trump’s comment, made during a dinner with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in late November, was not in jest and seemed designed to cause chaos despite being unrealistic.
LeBlanc expressed concern over Trump’s repeated assertions that Canada should join the U.S. as a state, with Trump inaccurately portraying the U.S. trade deficit with Canada as a form of subsidy. The Canadian official has engaged with incoming Trump administration officials to discuss enhancing border security in an effort to avert the threat of a significant tariff on Canadian goods.
LeBlanc, who recently assumed his position following the previous finance minister’s sudden departure, announced that he will not seek to replace Trudeau in order to focus on addressing the tariff threat. Trudeau disclosed his intention to resign as prime minister, with a new Liberal leader to be chosen in the future.
Canadian lawmakers criticized Trump’s remarks, with Immigration Minister Marc Miller dismissing them as absurd and below the dignity of a U.S. president. The Canadian government emphasized the importance of the economic relationship between the two countries, pointing out that Canada is a significant supplier of resources and goods to the U.S.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford highlighted the crucial role of Canada as an energy supplier to the U.S., emphasizing the impact of potential tariffs on both countries. Canada is also a major provider of steel, aluminum, and uranium to the U.S., with key minerals and metals being sought after for national security purposes.
Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly emphasized that she does not underestimate President Trump’s threats. “At the same time, we cannot be provoked,” Joly stated. “It is essential that we demonstrate our robust economy and unwavering strength to assert that we will not succumb to annexation.”
