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Canadian Leaders Warn Trump: Canada Not for Sale Amid 51st State Remarks

share-iconMonday, January 13 comment-icon1 week ago 6 views
News sources:
newsweekNEWSWEEK
Canadian Leaders Warn Trump: Canada Not for Sale Amid 51st State Remarks

Credited from: NEWSWEEK

Key Takeaways:

  • Outgoing Prime Minister Justin Trudeau jokingly suggested trading U.S. states in exchange for Canada's statehood during a conversation with Trump.
  • Jagmeet Singh, leader of the New Democratic Party, emphatically stated that "Canada's not for sale" in response to Trump’s remarks about annexation.
  • Both Trudeau and Singh warned about potential retaliatory measures if Trump imposes tariffs on Canada.

In a remarkable turn of events, outgoing Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau recently revealed a light-hearted conversation with President-elect Donald Trump, during which he jokingly suggested a trade involving U.S. states in exchange for Canada becoming the 51st state. This conversation surfaced during Trudeau's appearance on MSNBC's Inside with Jen Psaki. Trudeau's remarks followed Trump's persistent suggestions that Canada could join the U.S., a notion that has been met with significant skepticism from Canadian leaders. Trudeau remarked that during a conversation at Mar-a-Lago, they began to consider the implications of trading states like Vermont or California. However, this light-hearted musing quickly transitioned into more serious matters, as Trump expressed a lack of amusement at the suggestion.

Trudeau, facing Trump's assertion that Canada is heavily subsidized by the U.S., which he claimed costs the U.S. around $100 million annually, responded by stressing the collaborative benefits of the Canada-U.S. relationship. He stated, "If he does choose to go forward with tariffs that raise the cost of just about everything for American citizens, then on top of that, we're going to have to have a robust response to that" [source](https://www.newsweek.com/justin-trudeau-suggested-trade-trump-canada-states-2013702).

Meanwhile, Jagmeet Singh, leader of the New Democratic Party, stood firmly against Trump's territorial remarks, declaring in a recent video on social media, “Our country's not for sale - not now, not ever.” Singh underscored the pride Canadians feel for their nation and emphasized readiness to defend it fiercely. He cautioned that any tariffs imposed by Trump would provoke retaliatory measures from Canada, promising, “I've committed that if Donald Trump imposes tariffs on us, we should respond with retaliatory tariffs in kind” [source](https://www.newsweek.com/jagmeet-singh-canada-donald-trump-price-pay-not-sale-2013855).

The backdrop to this dialogue includes Trump's previous suggestions about acquiring territories like Greenland and the Panama Canal. His recent claims of a "51st state" have been widely dismissed by Canadian officials, who assert the independence and strength of their nation. Trudeau, despite facing challenges in his leadership, stated that Canada has been proactive in addressing U.S. concerns regarding illegal immigration and drug trafficking, reinforcing that, contrary to Trump's claims, Canada contributes to dialogue and resolution, not conflict.

Looking forward, all eyes will be on Trump once he assumes office on January 20, when the substantive policies toward Canada will be unveiled. As the situation evolves, Canadian leaders express their commitment to defend national interests while preparing for elections due by October 2025.

The tenor of international diplomacy between the U.S. and Canada hangs in the balance as both nations navigate the future under the leadership of their respective political figures. The discussions surrounding trade, immigration, and sovereignty continue to be focal points for both governments as they shape regional dynamics.

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