Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has voiced concerns over U.S. President Donald Trump’s suggestions about absorbing Canada, calling it “a real thing” that is tied to the country’s vast natural resources. Trudeau made these remarks during a closed-door meeting with business and labor leaders as they discussed strategies to counter Trump’s threats of imposing tariffs on Canadian imports.
According to reports from the Toronto Star, which first broke the story, Trudeau’s comments were inadvertently broadcast via a loudspeaker. The Prime Minister suggested that Trump’s interest in Canada stemmed from its wealth of natural resources, including oil, minerals, and other commodities.
“They’re very aware of our resources, of what we have, and they very much want to be able to benefit from those,” Trudeau said. “But Mr. Trump has it in mind that one of the easiest ways of doing that is absorbing our country. And it is a real thing.”
A government source later confirmed the accuracy of the Star’s report, adding weight to Trudeau’s warning about the seriousness of the issue. Canada has long positioned itself as a key trading partner of the United States, emphasizing the mutual benefits of economic cooperation. However, with 75% of its exports going to the U.S., the country remains highly vulnerable to trade disruptions and policy shifts from Washington.
Trudeau also warned of broader long-term political challenges in Canada-U.S. relations, regardless of whether immediate tariff threats are neutralized. While Trump announced a 30-day delay on new tariffs in exchange for concessions on border security and drug enforcement, Trudeau emphasized that Canada was already making significant efforts in those areas. Public data shows that only 0.2% of fentanyl seized in the U.S. comes from the Canadian border, countering claims from U.S. officials who have accused Canada of lax enforcement.
Peter Navarro, a senior Trump trade adviser, recently criticized Canada’s trade and border policies, claiming that it was a significant source of duty-free drug shipments and had weak visa regulations. Trudeau rejected these assertions but acknowledged that Canada must navigate a shifting geopolitical landscape.
The Prime Minister also pointed to internal trade barriers between Canada’s provinces as another economic challenge. “This is one of those moments and opportunities where … there’s a window open because of the context we’re in. We have to jump through it,” he said, urging Canadian leaders to find solutions that would strengthen the economy and reduce reliance on the U.S. market.
With Trump’s rhetoric gaining renewed attention, Canada may face an uphill battle in safeguarding its economic and political sovereignty in the years to come.
