US President Donald Trump has as soon as once more raised the concept of Canada changing into the 51st state, this time linking the prospect to the nation’s huge array of pure sources.
His remarks, made throughout an in-flight dialog with reporters on Air Power One, coincided along with his plans to levy 25 % tariffs on all metal and aluminum imports — together with from Canada and Mexico.
“They do not pay very a lot for the army, and the rationale they do not pay a lot is that they assume that we’ll shield them,” Trump mentioned. “That is not an assumption they’ll make, as a result of why are we defending one other nation?”
He went on to counsel Canada is “not viable as a rustic,” hinting that integration with the US might be an answer.
Late final week, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, talking behind closed doorways to enterprise and labor leaders, was overheard acknowledging that Trump’s speak of absorbing Canada into the US is “an actual factor.”
In keeping with CBC, Trudeau’s remarks had been by accident broadcast over a loudspeaker. “Mr. Trump has it in thoughts that the best option to do it’s absorbing our nation, and it’s a actual factor,” he mentioned earlier than the audio reduce out.
On Friday, Trudeau mentioned Trump’s want to show Canada into the 51st state is a “actual factor.” Proper wing trolls exploded, saying Trudeau was mendacity. Immediately, Trump was requested instantly and he mentioned … sure, it’s an actual factor. When terrible individuals present you the way terrible they’re, consider them. https://t.co/UHcj7blI5Z
— Gil McGowan (@gilmcgowan) February 9, 2025
The Related Press reported that Trudeau’s workplace has not responded to requests for remark, however Alberta Federation of Labor President Gil McGowan later confirmed the prime minister’s evaluation.
McGowan, who was on the assembly, wrote on social media that Trudeau believes Trump’s actual agenda isn’t just about fentanyl, immigration and even the commerce deficit, however about dominating Canada economically — or taking it outright.
Canada-US commerce struggle escalates
Days after Trudeau’s remarks had been leaked, Trump confirmed his administration will impose 25 % tariffs on Canadian metal and aluminum imports, reviving a commerce struggle that first erupted in 2018.
Again then, the Trump administration imposed related tariffs underneath the justification of nationwide safety considerations, prompting Canada to retaliate with counter tariffs on US items resembling orange juice and whiskey.
The dispute resulted in 2019, when an settlement was reached to watch metal and aluminum flows, stopping so-called “surges” in imports. Trump has lengthy criticized the Canada-US-Mexico Settlement (CUSMA), the successor to the North American Free Commerce Settlement (NAFTA), and has vowed to renegotiate it.
The settlement is scheduled for a compulsory overview in 2026, however Québec Premier François Legault known as for rapid discussions in a latest social media publish to forestall additional financial uncertainty.
That is the following 4 years. Shifting goalposts and fixed chaos, placing our economic system in danger.
I’m asking the individuals for a powerful, secure, four-year mandate that outlasts the Trump administration to do no matter it takes, to all the time be prepared to guard Ontario. https://t.co/9lht8GlSHd
— Doug Ford (@fordnation) February 9, 2025
Ontario Premier Doug Ford echoed these considerations, calling Trump’s commerce insurance policies a destabilizing pressure.
“That is the following 4 years — shifting goalposts and fixed chaos, placing our economic system in danger,” Ford mentioned in a publish on X, previously often known as Twitter, on Sunday (February 9).
“Fentanyl disaster” on the forefront of commerce relations
Trump’s newest tariffs have been tied to his broader considerations over border safety, significantly the trafficking of fentanyl and unlawful immigration, points that he raised on the marketing campaign path.
Earlier this month, he threatened to impose sweeping 25 % tariffs on all Canadian and Mexican imports beginning February 1 until each nations took stronger measures to safe their borders. After negotiations with Trudeau and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, the White Home agreed to delay the tariffs for 30 days.
Canada has since introduced a US$1.3 billion border safety initiative, which incorporates elevated patrols, aerial surveillance and the appointment of a brand new “fentanyl czar” to coordinate efforts with US officers.
Regardless of the extension, Trudeau has made it clear that Canada will not settle for blame for America’s fentanyl disaster.
“We have to be very deliberate about how we proceed to interact carefully with the USA to make the case that Canada is chargeable for a tiny a part of the North American fentanyl downside, however that we’re additionally bitterly touched by this tragedy,” the prime minister mentioned in public remarks on February 7.
Canada’s useful resource wealth within the highlight
Trump’s remarks about Canada’s financial dependence on the US come at a time when the nation is making strikes to speed up its important minerals business and solidify its spot within the provide chain.
Final week, the BC authorities shared plans to quick monitor 18 mining and vitality tasks value about US$20 billion.
“They’re being held up in some sort of administrative or regulatory or authorities course of,” BC Premier David Eby mentioned of the property, which embrace the Eskay Creek gold-silver mission in Northwest BC. “We will expedite that, get these shovels within the floor. And with explicit consideration to extra rural and distant communities.”
The Mining Affiliation of BC welcomed the announcement, stating that Canada’s useful resource sector will play an important position in world provide chains; nevertheless, different entities have expressed considerations about deregulation.
The province has 17 further important mineral tasks within the pipeline, with a number of anticipated to enter allowing processes this yr.
Don’t neglect to observe us @INN_Resource for real-time information updates!
Securities Disclosure: I, Giann Liguid, maintain no direct funding curiosity in any firm talked about on this article.
