Leader of Canada’s New Democratic Party (NDP) and a former ally of outgoing Prime Minister Justin Trudeau Jagmeet Singh delivered a staunch defense of Canadian sovereignty in response to Donald Trump’s controversial remarks about using “economic force” to bring Canada into the United States.
“I have a message for Donald Trump. Our country’s not for sale. Not now, not ever,” Singh said in a video posted on X “I’ve lived across this country, and I can tell you Canadians are a proud people. We’re proud of our country, and we’re ready to fight like hell to defend it.”
“Right now with the forest fires ravaging homes, Canadian firefighters showed up. That’s who we are. We show up and support our neighbors. But if Donald Trump thinks. If you think you can pick a fight with us, there’ll be a price to pay,” Singh said.
Singh’s comments came amid escalating tensions following Trump’s suggestion that Canada could become the 51st US state. The former US president has reiterated his belief that dissolving the “artificially drawn line” between the two nations would benefit both countries, particularly in terms of national security. Singh, however, dismissed these assertions and vowed a robust response if Trump’s rhetoric turned into action.
Speaking to reporters at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, Trump denied any intention to use military force to annex Canada but reiterated his vision of a unified North America. “Canada and the United States, that would really be something,” Trump said. “You get rid of that artificially drawn line and take a look at what that looks like. It would also be much better for national security. Don’t forget, we basically protect Canada.”
Trump further criticised the financial burden he claims the US bears in protecting its northern neighbor, suggesting that Canada’s integration into the United States would alleviate this imbalance. These remarks have drawn sharp criticism from Canadian leaders, including outgoing Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
Trudeau dismissed Trump’s annexation idea as entirely implausible. “There is a snowball’s chance in hell of Canada ever merging with the United States,” Trudeau said, calling Trump’s proposal “provocative and absurd.”
As Canada prepares for a change in leadership, the incoming government will face the task of navigating these strained relations while reaffirming the nation’s independence.
