Speaking at the Canada-US Economic Summit in Toronto, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau warned business leaders that Trump views annexation as a way to secure access to these valuable materials.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has said that US President Donald Trump’s threat to annex Canada is “a real thing,” suggesting it is driven by America’s interest in Canada’s critical mineral resources.
Speaking at the Canada-US Economic Summit in Toronto on Friday, Trudeau told business leaders that Trump sees absorbing Canada as the easiest way to secure access to its valuable minerals, according to a CBC News report.
“Trump has it in mind that the easiest way to do it is absorbing our country, and it is a real thing,” Trudeau was quoted as saying.
His remarks came after he delivered the summit’s opening address, where he outlined key challenges in Canada’s trade relationship with the US. Trudeau emphasised the need for both immediate countermeasures against Trump’s tariff threats and a long-term strategy for dealing with an increasingly uncooperative Washington, CTV News reported.
Earlier, in an interview with CNN, Trudeau dismissed Trump’s comments about making Canada the 51st US state as a distraction from the consequences of his tariff policies. “That’s not going to happen,” he stated.
Tensions between the two nations have escalated in recent weeks. Trump’s administration announced new tariffs on Canadian imports last week, prompting Ottawa to retaliate with 25% tariffs on $107 billion worth of US goods. However, both sides have agreed to pause the proposed tariffs for 30 days.
Trump suggested that Canada could avoid the levies by becoming part of the US. Following a call between the two leaders, Trudeau announced new border security measures, including a $1.3 billion plan, the appointment of a “fentanyl czar,” and the designation of certain cartels as terrorist organisations.
While the tariff dispute has been temporarily put on hold, Trudeau warned that Canada must remain prepared for further challenges under Trump’s administration.
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