Former Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chretien advocates for a more assertive Canadian stance against US President-elect Donald Trump’s proposals.
Jean Chretien, Canada’s prime minister from 1993 to 2003, strongly criticized President-elect Trump’s suggestion of annexing Canada.
In a Globe and Mail article, Chretien, celebrating his 91st birthday, directly addressed Trump: “From one old guy to another: Give your head a shake! What could make you think that Canadians would ever give up the best country in the world… to join the United States?”
The former prime minister deemed Trump’s annexation talk “totally unacceptable insults and unprecedented threats to our very sovereignty.”
“We may look easy-going. Mild-mannered. But make no mistake, we have spine and toughness,” Chretien emphasized, urging Canadian leaders at all levels to demonstrate stronger leadership.
Chretien argued that simply opposing Trump’s takeover bid is insufficient, advocating for a proactive approach to counter what he calls Trump’s “blackmail.”
He proposed that Canada confront the US on issues such as illegal firearms trafficking across the border and Washington’s refusal to acknowledge the Northwest Passage as Canadian territory. Furthermore, he suggested Canada form an alliance with Panama, Mexico, Denmark, and the European Union, all of whom have faced similar territorial or trade-related pressures from Trump.
Since his election victory on November 5th, Trump has repeatedly suggested taking over Canada and threatened a 25% tariff on goods to address perceived unfair trade surpluses.
Last Tuesday, Trump posted a map on Truth Social depicting a unified US and Canada labeled ‘United States.’ He also told reporters that Washington could utilize “economic force” to absorb Canada.
Responding on X, outgoing Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stated: “There isn’t a snowball’s chance in hell that Canada would become part of the United States.”
Pierre Poilievre, leader of the Conservative Party, similarly rejected Trump’s suggestions, declaring that “Canada will never be the 51st state. Period. We are a great and independent country.”