Canadian leaders have sharply criticized President-elect Donald Trump's repeated suggestion that Canada should become the 51st state of the United States, deeming the remarks as no longer a joke and detrimental to U.S.-Canada relations. Canada's Finance Minister Dominic LeBlanc articulated his concerns, indicating that Trump's comments aim to create confusion and agitate public sentiment. “The joke is over,” LeBlanc remarked, asserting that this narrative is not only misleading but also threatens the long-standing friendship between the two nations.

During a dinner at Mar-a-Lago with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Trump proposed relying on “economic force” against Canada, misrepresenting the country's trade relationship while trying to bolster claims regarding a trade deficit. “It’s becoming very counterproductive,” LeBlanc stated, expressing the view that such comments erode the mutual trust in Canadian-U.S. trade dynamics.

As tensions rise, Trudeau's resignation has further complicated the political landscape. Judy Sgro, a Liberal lawmaker, lamented the timing of such significant political changes, stating, “The timing is awful for sure, but we will ensure Canada stands strong.” Meanwhile, Immigration Minister Marc Miller dismissed Trump's remarks as “ridiculous,” insisting that there is no chance of Canada becoming the 51st state, which he described as “beneath a president of the United States.”

Trump has also made bold claims regarding U.S. imports, suggesting that Canada is not vital to the American economy. However, Ontario Premier Doug Ford countered these assertions by highlighting that Canada currently supplies about 60 percent of the energy imports to the U.S., with Alberta alone providing over 4.3 million barrels of crude oil daily.

As a response to potential tariffs threatened by Trump, Ford warned of retaliation, although he did not specify particular products. Canada remains a crucial ally and trading partner, with nearly $3.6 billion in goods and services crossing the border each day. Canada is the largest foreign supplier of steel, aluminum, and uranium for U.S. national security interests. Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly emphasized the need to stand firm against threats from Trump, stating, “We have to show we have a strong economy and we are strong and we are not going to be annexed.”

These developments signal a challenging period for U.S.-Canada relations as the new administration takes office.