Outgoing Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has warned business leaders that US President Donald Trump might be serious about annexing Canada, suggesting the idea stems from Washington’s interest in the country’s critical minerals.
Trudeau’s remarks, made behind closed doors at the Canada-US Economic Summit in Toronto, were partially captured by a microphone and reported by multiple Canadian media outlets.
“Mr Trump has it in mind that the easiest way to do it is absorbing our country, and it is a real thing,” Trudeau said.
The comments follow Trump’s recent threats to impose a 25% tariff on Canadian exports—except for energy products, which would be taxed at 10%—unless Ottawa takes stronger border security measures.
While the tariffs were postponed for 30 days, Trump has repeatedly suggested that Canada could instead become “our 51st state” to avoid them. He has even referred to Trudeau as “Governor Trudeau” in public remarks and on his Truth Social platform.
Trump first raised the idea during a private dinner with Trudeau in December, but Canadian officials initially dismissed it as a joke. However, Trudeau’s latest remarks indicate a shift in perception.
Polling suggests overwhelming opposition to such a move, with an Ipsos survey in January finding that 80% of Canadians would reject any referendum on joining the US.
The economic uncertainty caused by Trump’s threats has led to growing anxiety in Canada, where three-quarters of exports are sold to the US Some provincial leaders have responded with “buy local” campaigns to discourage consumer spending in the US, and some Canadians have even cancelled cross-border trips in protest.
Meanwhile, Canadian officials are exploring ways to reinforce economic ties with Washington in hopes of averting the tariffs. Energy Minister Jonathan Wilkinson, who has been in Washington this week, has proposed a Canada-US alliance on energy and critical minerals, calling it a “win-win” solution.
At Friday’s summit, Trudeau warned of “a more challenging, long-term political situation with the United States” and stressed the need for Canada to strengthen its own economy and trade relationships in the years ahead.
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