12.02.2025 22:30
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stated in a press conference following his meeting with European Union leaders, "Discussions about Canada becoming the 51st state of the United States have been invalid from the very beginning. Such a thing will never happen."
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made statements after a meeting with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa in Brussels, the capital of Belgium.
"CANADA WILL NEVER BE THE 51ST STATE OF THE USA"
Commenting on U.S. President Donald Trump's statements regarding the annexation of Canada, Trudeau said, "The discussions about Canada becoming the 51st state are invalid from the very beginning. Such a thing will never happen. However, we must take the U.S. President's words seriously and keep this in mind while defending Canada. As I have clearly stated from the very beginning, there is not the slightest possibility of Canada becoming the 51st state."
"THE REACTION OF CANADIANS IS INSPIRING"
As someone who has worked with Trump, Trudeau expressed that he believes it is necessary to take Trump's words seriously and respond appropriately, stating, "The reaction of Canadians in recent weeks has been inspiring. People have supported each other, changed their holiday plans, sought ways to shop from Canada to support local businesses, and tried to diversify their supply chains with regions like Asia and Europe. This is the reaction of Canadians who send the message, 'Yes, it will be difficult, but we will double our pride in being Canadian and continue to support each other.'
"CANADA WILL RESPOND STRONGLY"
In response to a question about Trump's threats and the customs duties on Canada's aluminum and steel exports reaching a total of 50%, Trudeau said, "Canada will respond in a measured and extremely strong manner, regardless of the steps the U.S. takes. We do not want to be in a trade dispute. Because we believe that what is best for everyone in North America is to continue working together. The issue we should focus on should be the challenges in international trade," he continued. "If we need to pause our good faith efforts to defend the employment sources and sovereignty of the Canadian people for a while, we will do so. This is not our preference, and we do not want such a situation. But regardless of what happens, we will give the necessary response."
"WE WILL DO EVERYTHING WE CAN"
Emphasizing that Canada's $2.2 billion worth of steel and aluminum exports directly contribute to the U.S. economy and that the U.S. decision to increase tariffs in 2018 led to the loss of jobs for 75,000 Americans, Trudeau said, "Therefore, we will do everything we can to express these facts at every opportunity and to prevent the advancement of this policy that will negatively affect both Americans and Canadians."
WHAT HAPPENED?
Last Monday, U.S. President Trump announced that an additional 25% tariff would be applied to all steel and aluminum imports from the U.S., including Canada. This additional tax will be added to the general 25% tariff applied to all Canadian goods, and with the decision to be implemented on March 12, the total customs duty on steel and aluminum imported from Canada will reach 50%. On Monday, Trump also threatened to impose a customs duty of between 50% and 100% on vehicles imported from Canada.