OTTAWA. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has dismissed U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s recent comments about possibly annexing Canada as a negotiation tactic meant to shift focus from the economic impact of proposed tariffs.
Trump suggested on Tuesday that he might use economic leverage to acquire Canada, while also reaffirming plans to impose 25% tariffs on all Canadian imports unless Ottawa significantly enhances border security.
“What I think is happening in this is President Trump, who is a very skillful negotiator, is getting people to be somewhat distracted by that conversation,” Trudeau told CNN on Wednesday when questioned about Trump’s remarks.
Trudeau highlighted the potential consequences of Trump’s tariff threats, stating, “Oil and gas and electricity and steel and aluminum and lumber and concrete and everything the American consumers buy from Canada (are) suddenly going to get a lot more expensive if he moves forward on these tariffs.”
Earlier this week, Trudeau firmly ruled out the possibility of Canada becoming part of the United States, saying there was “not a snowball’s chance in hell” of such an outcome. Speaking to CNN, he reiterated that Canada would respond with countermeasures if Trump pursued the tariffs.
Trudeau recalled Canada’s retaliation during a 2018 trade dispute when Ottawa imposed tariffs on a range of U.S. goods, including Heinz ketchup, playing cards, bourbon, and Harley-Davidson motorcycles, targeting items that would impact American workers.
“But we don’t want to do that because it drives up prices for Canadians and it harms our closest trading partner,” Trudeau added, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a cooperative economic relationship between the two nations.
The Canadian Prime Minister’s remarks come amidst heightened trade tensions and underscore Ottawa’s commitment to defending its economic interests while avoiding unnecessary harm to both Canadian and American consumers.
Trump’s comments have sparked widespread criticism, with many viewing the idea of annexation as far-fetched and provocative. Analysts suggest the remarks are part of Trump’s broader strategy to pressure Canada into aligning with his border security demands.
The looming threat of tariffs and the ongoing rhetoric have cast uncertainty over the future of U.S.-Canada trade relations. Observers are closely monitoring whether negotiations between the two governments will lead to a resolution or escalate further.
As the situation unfolds, both countries face significant economic stakes, with Canada poised to defend its sovereignty and trade interests on the global stage.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
