Jean Chrétien, Canada’s prime minister from 1993 to 2003, has sharply criticized the designated US President Donald Trump after the latter brought up the idea of annexing the neighboring country. In an article published in The Globe and Mail on Sunday, Chrétien, who turned 91 on that day, addressed Trump directly: “From one old man to another: Come to your senses! How do you come up with the idea that Canadians would ever give up the best country in the world to become part of the United States?”
Furthermore, the former prime minister described Trump’s statements on the annexation of Canada as “completely unacceptable insults and unprecedented threats to our sovereignty.” “We may appear to be soft, gentle, and friendly. But don’t be fooled – we have backbone and strength” emphasized the experienced politician, calling on Canadian government representatives at all levels to show leadership.
Chrétien stated that it was not enough for the major Canadian parties to simply express their rejection of Trump’s takeover plans. Ottawa needed to take the offensive, as only then could the “vicious circle” of Trump’s extortion be broken. He suggested that Canada should confront the US with the influx of illegal firearms from the south and the refusal of Washington to recognize the Northwest Passage as a Canadian territorial water. Ottawa should also work with Panama, Mexico, Denmark, and the European Union, which are also targets of Trump’s territorial and trade claims, Chrétien said.
Since his election victory on November 5, Donald Trump has repeatedly brought up the idea of annexing Canada and simultaneously threatened to impose a 25% tariff on goods crossing the border to allegedly balance unfair trade surpluses.
In a post on his Truth Social platform, the designated president published a map showing the US and Canada as a single country, with the name “United States” covering the entire territory, on Tuesday. The same day, Trump told reporters that Washington could use its “economic might” to incorporate its northern neighbor.
In response to Trump’s statements, the outgoing Prime Minister Justin Trudeau posted on X (formerly Twitter): “There is not a chance in the world that Canada will be part of the United States.”
Pierre Poilievre, the leader of the opposition Conservative Party, also strongly rejected Trump’s proposals, stating: “Canada will never be the 51st state. Period. We are a great and independent country.