Canada’s New Democratic Party (NDP) leader Jagmeet Singh responded sharply to threats made by US president-elect Donald Trump, warning that such actions could harm Canada’s economy and workforce.
Singh described Trump’s recent tariff threats as a “clear” danger to Canadian jobs and warned they could further burden citizens already grappling with rising living costs. “Donald Trump is a clear threat to Canada,” Singh said.
“His tariff threats are directly threatening hundreds and thousands of Canadian jobs. They also threaten to increase the cost of living at a time when people are already struggling with the cost of groceries and the cost of their bills. So it is serious. We have to take it seriously.”
Singh, who previously helped Prime Minister Justin Trudeau maintain a minority government, has been a vocal critic of the Liberal Party’s handling of key domestic issues. He also expressed frustration with the government’s inability to effectively address the challenges posed by Trump’s threats. “Going to meet with them, trying to wine and dine them, is a failed approach,” Singh said.
“Donald Trump is not rational. You can’t discuss a plan over a meal with him. He is a bully. And bullies understand one thing: strength.”
He further elaborated that if Trump is serious about escalating tensions, Canada must respond in kind. “If he wants to pick a fight with Canada, we have to make sure it’s clear that it’s going to hurt Americans as well. There’s going to be pain felt for not just Canadians, but also Americans,” Singh warned.
His solution is straightforward: “We know that the United States needs our critical minerals. They’re very important for the United States. So I’m calling on all political leaders to support turning off the taps on those critical minerals.”
Singh argued that halting the flow of vital minerals to the US could be an effective way to force Trump to reconsider his aggressive stance. “There’s no quicker way to get Donald Trump to back away from tariffs than to shut off the tap on critical minerals that the States need very clearly,” Singh asserted.
Singh’s comments come as tensions between the US and Canada escalate following Trump’s controversial remarks suggesting that Canada could become the 51st state. Speaking from his Mar-a-Lago resort, Trump reiterated his belief that dissolving the “artificially drawn line” between the two nations would benefit both countries, particularly in terms of national security.
In response, Singh took a strong stance, rejecting any notion of Canada’s integration into the United States. “I have a message for Donald Trump. Our country’s not for sale. Not now, not ever,” Singh declared. “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.”
This call for action echoes Singh’s broader critique of Trudeau’s leadership, which has faced criticism over the handling of rising living costs, housing, and healthcare.
Despite the looming threat from the US, Singh believes the Trudeau administration has failed to prioritise the protection of Canadian jobs and sovereignty. “We’ve got serious threats of Donald Trump and tariffs that put in question hundreds and thousands of Canadian jobs,” Singh said.
