Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Wednesday dismissed U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s suggestion of possibly annexing Canada as a distraction tactic aimed at diverting attention from the impact of his proposed tariffs.
Trump, who announced plans to impose a 25% tariff on all Canadian imports unless Canada strengthens border security, mentioned on Tuesday that he was considering using economic measures to acquire Canada.
Speaking to CNN about Trump’s remarks, Trudeau said, “What I think is happening here is that President Trump, who is a very skilled negotiator, is trying to distract people with this conversation.”
Trudeau highlighted the potential consequences of the tariffs, saying, “Oil, gas, electricity, steel, aluminum, lumber, concrete, and everything American consumers buy from Canada will suddenly become much more expensive if these tariffs are implemented.”
Earlier this week, Trudeau firmly stated there was “not a snowball’s chance in hell” that Canada would ever become part of the United States. He reiterated to CNN that Ottawa would respond with countermeasures if Trump followed through on his threats.
Recalling a 2018 trade dispute, Trudeau pointed out that Canada had previously imposed retaliatory tariffs on products like Heinz ketchup, playing cards, bourbon, and Harley Davidson motorcycles—items specifically chosen to impact American workers.
“We don’t want to go down that road again because it raises prices for Canadians and hurts our closest trading partner,” Trudeau added, emphasizing Canada’s preference for cooperation over conflict.
