By Nivedita Balu

Trudeau Addresses Concerns Over Trump’s Remarks

TORONTO (Reuters) – Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Friday remarked that U.S. President Donald Trump’s suggestion regarding absorbing Canada “is a real thing” linked to the country’s rich natural resources, according to a government source.

Trudeau made these comments during a closed-door session with business and labor leaders discussing strategies to counter Trump’s tariff threats on Canadian imports. These remarks were initially reported by the Toronto Star, inadvertently broadcast through a loudspeaker.

Trump has frequently suggested that Canada would benefit by accepting statehood as the 51st U.S. state. In his statements, Trudeau emphasized, “They’re very aware of our resources and very much want to benefit from those,” adding, “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 confirmed the accuracy of Trudeau’s statements as reported by the Star. In response to U.S. measures, Canada has highlighted its status as a trusted partner and significant supplier of oil, minerals, and other natural resources.

Earlier, Trudeau indicated that Canada might face long-term political complications with the U.S., even if it successfully avoids Trump’s tariff threats. Recently, Trump announced a 30-day delay on tariffs concerning Canadian exports in exchange for Canada taking action on border and crime enforcement, specifically regarding the crackdown on fentanyl smuggling.

Trudeau stated that Canada’s immediate goal is to convince Washington of its efforts to combat fentanyl flow, noting that only 0.2% of the seized drug supply in the U.S. originates from Canada.

Should tariffs be implemented, Trudeau assured that Canada would reciprocate but emphasized the goal to remove any such measures as swiftly as possible. He expressed the need for strategic reflection on how to navigate and strengthen Canada through potential long-term challenges with the U.S.

Peter Navarro, a senior Trump trade adviser, recently claimed Canada is a significant source of small, duty-free drug shipments and has issues with visas and allowing individuals on the “terrorism watch list” to enter the U.S.

With 75% of Canadian exports destined for the U.S., Canada remains highly susceptible to U.S. sanctions. Trudeau reiterated complaints from the business sector about internal trade barriers among the 10 provinces, stating, “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.”