Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau views Donald Trump’s threat to annex Canada as a serious issue. Trudeau made these comments during a closed-door meeting with business leaders in Toronto, emphasizing that Trump is keenly aware of Canada’s critical mineral resources.
Trudeau suggests that Trump’s interest in absorbing Canada stems from its wealth of minerals like graphite, nickel, and rare earth elements. These resources are crucial for electric vehicle batteries and solar technology.
Canada’s Minister of Industry, François-Philippe Champagne, underscores that the U.S. economy relies heavily on Canada for economic and energy security.
Canada is responding to Trump‘s tariff threats by imposing its own tariffs on $155 billion worth of U.S. goods. This move aims to protect Canadian interests and support local industries.
The U.S. is Canada’s largest trading partner, with bilateral trade exceeding $1 trillion annually. Canada’s trade surplus with the U.S. was $102.3 billion in 2024.
Trudeau emphasizes that Canada will continue addressing U.S. concerns over fentanyl and migration while maintaining its sovereignty. Historically, similar U.S. attempts to annex Canada have failed.
In the 1890s, the McKinley Tariff led to increased Canadian nationalism and resistance against U.S. expansionism. Trump’s tariff threats could backfire, leading to increased Canadian resistance and potentially harming U.S. consumers and manufacturers.
Canada’s economic resilience is evident in its recent trade surplus, which reached $708 million in December 2024. This recovery is crucial amid ongoing trade tensions with the U.S.
Canadians feel betrayed by Trump’s actions, which have strained one of the world’s most durable alliances. The situation has sparked widespread disapproval and a sense of national unity in Canada.
